Recent content from Andrew Krammer
Vikings rookie Watts making quick impression: 'The more I can do, the more they trust me'
Armon Watts' deflection of a pass led to a Vikings' pick-six against Seattle. "He's got a really good future," coach Mike Zimmer said.
Cook says he can play despite pain; Zimmer says 'we'll see how it goes'
Vikings running back Dalvin Cook aggravated a shoulder injury he suffered Nov. 17 against the Broncos and although he said he wants to play coach Mike Zimmer said, "we're not going to play a guy that's hurt."
Cook injured on third-quarter fumble, but expects to play Sunday
Dalvin Cook called his exit "precautionary" and said he expects to be ready when the Vikings play Detroit in their next game.

Vikings linebacker Barr practices 'I spy' skills for facing Seahawks, Wilson
Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr has gotten creative with how he practices "spying," or shadowing, mobile quarterbacks.

Depth at safety might be tested for Vikings on Monday vs. Seahawks
The Vikings' outlook at safety for Monday night's game at Seattle is uncertain with Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris limited by injuries. They have been "in and out" during 11-on-11 practice reps this week.

Vikings coaches focus on improving pass defense
The secondary ranks in the bottom half of the league in three key categories.

Vikings' pass defense needs quick fix to defeat Seahawks, Wilson
What was once a strength of this Vikings defense — its coverage — has lapsed while Minnesota surrendered more than 400 yards on average during the last three games before the bye.

Vikings get Thielen back, but Beebe has surgery
Josh Doctson was cut on Tuesday as the team returned to practice following a bye week.

Thielen's absence means more snaps for rookie Irv Smith Jr.
Smith's first NFL touchdown showed growth from the 21-year-old tight end, who read the coverage and found the open space on an apparent option route.

Hurry-up offense in second half got Vikings going
Offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski swallowed his pride and the Vikings' game plan when faced with a 20-0 deficit at halftime.

Vikings secondary has long day covering Broncos' Sutton
Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton had 113 yards Sunday — making him the second opponent to top 100 receiving yards in the Vikings' building — forcing the defense to put double coverage on him.
Yin and Yang: Vikings' Griffen, Hunter create chaotic harmony
The strong seasons for Vikings defensive linemen appear likely to continue Sunday against Broncos quarterback Brandon Allen, who is making his second NFL start.
Zimmer: Playing smart and fast have been keys to Cousins' success
The Vikings quarterback also hasn't fumbled in the past five games, the best streak of his career.

Vikings nose tackle Joseph sidelined by knee surgery
It isn't known how long Linval Joseph will be out of action, but it's worth noting the team didn't make a move to put him on injured reserve after the operation.

Trash-talking Rudolph re-emerges as threat in Vikings attack
A microphone near the end zone picked up Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph adding insult to his two-point conversion catch in the third quarter of Sunday's victory.
Running to the bank: Vikings' Cook, like Cowboys' Elliott, showing his worth
About 16 months away from free agency, Dalvin Cook is doing his part to defend the worthiness of the running back position. He's eclipsed 100 yards from scrimmage in 13 of his 23 NFL games.

Vikings corner Mike Hughes gets more action, now wants a pick
After returning for a serious knee injury, the second-year player is hoping for his first interception of the season.
Zimmer critical of offensive line play
NFL rushing leader Dalvin Cook was limited to 71 yards in 21 carries against Kansas City.

Games of big plays leaves Vikings defense frustrated, deflated
Despite missing MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City gained 377 yards, with 202 of them coming on four plays that led to the Vikings' 26-23 loss.
Thielen reinjures leg in first quarter; Diggs shut down with one catch
Coach Mike Zimmer provided no clarity on Adam Thielen's health, saying, "You'll have to ask him." Thielen was not seen in the locker room after the game.

Vikings' 'Little Fella' Kendricks outgrows label
Eric Kendricks coming up big despite his short stature. At 6 feet, Kendricks leads NFL linebackers with 23 run stops, paired with a career-high 10 pass deflections in just eight games.
Cousins has handled blitz well this season, and the Chiefs like to blitz
Kirk Cousins leads the NFL with a 130 passer rating against the blitz this season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Vikings' Kearse says he 'made a bad decision' before arrest
The 25-year-old safety apologized, a day after being released from custody at the Hennepin County jail.
Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes: 'I'm hurting my team'
After seven penalties in eight games, the rugged cornerback knows "it's up to me to change it."
With identical statistics, Diggs continues tear for Vikings
For the second week in a row Stefon Diggs finished with seven catches for 143 yards, and on Thursday broke a team receiving record held by Randy Moss.
Harris' interception allows Vikings to breathe easier after failed fourth down
Two plays after Mike Zimmer OK'd a fourth-and-1 quarterback sneak from his own 34, which failed, Anthony Harris came down with an interception off Redskins backup quarterback Dwayne Haskins.

Not looking back: Cousins mum on old team, Keenum just wants 'normal game'
Kirk Cousins and Case Keenum will face their former teams for the first time on Thursday night. But based on what they're talking aboiut this week, the quarterbacks aren't caught up in reviewing the past.
Fullback Ham is doing a bit of everything for Vikings offense
C.J. Ham scored a touchdown, broke through the Lions defense for a 9-yard run to convert a short third down and helped pave the way for Dalvin Cook's 142 rushing yards on Sunday.
Thielen hurts hamstring in first quarter; severity remains unclear
Vikings receiver Adam Thielen said he felt the injury in his leg before colliding with the padded wall beyond a Ford Field end zone after scoring on a 25-yard touchdown.

Win over Detroit was big day for Vikings tight ends, too
Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith Jr. combined for 10 receptions on Sunday for the Vikings.

Improving Vikings guard Elflein ready for whoever Lions throw at him
In his sixth start at left guard Sunday, Pat Elflein is preparing for a row of Lions "beasts" in Trey Flowers and defensive tackles Damon Harrison and A'Shawn Robinson

Vikings tackle Reiff expected to play against the Lions on Sunday
Riley Reiff, a former Lions takle, will make his 15th straight start for the Vikings. He was was sidelined Wednesday because of an ankle injury suffered against the Eagles but returned to practice Thursday.

Pro Bowl pace? More games like Sunday's could get Kendricks that honor
The veteran linebacker had 10 tackles, a split sack, two pass deflections and a forced fumble in the 38-20 victory over the Eagles.

Cousins uses 'aggressive, creative' plan to conquer Eagles, ignore noise
After leading his team to a victory in New York, Kirk Cousins on Sunday had a 138.4 passer rating vs. Philadelphia.
Hunter's sack keeps him on fast track in NFL history
Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter has the most sacks (46) of any player younger than 25.
Joseph is Vikings' power source
Nose tackle Linval Joseph, who turned 31 years old on Thursday, remains a wrecking ball in his 10th NFL season because of a work ethic rarely matched, even in the Vikings' own weight room.

Fined over $200,000, Diggs says he 'should have communicated better'
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs made the strongest endorsement of his future with the Vikings after doing little to dispel rumors last week that he wanted to be traded.
Cook slices through Giants defense in Vikings victory
Vikings running back Dalvin Cook set career highs in yards from scrimmage (218) and receiving yards (86).

Shurmur says his Vikings' background won't help the Giants
In his second season in New York, Pat Shurmur will coach against the Vikings for the first time since being named the NFL Assistant Coach of the Year in 2017.
Vikings tight end Rudolph blocks out his dwindling catches
Kyle Rudolph is on pace for career lows in every receiving category through four games, but the team captain says he's embracing his role in a run-heavy offense.

Zimmer on Cousins: 'There are times you just have to pull the trigger'
An ineffective passing game against the Bears caused frustration for receiver Adam Thielen.
Bears shut down Cook, who loses NFL rushing lead
Despite the Bears defense missing two stars in defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (knee) and linebacker Roquan Smith (personal reasons), Dalvin Cook had only 35 yards on 14 carries.
Strip sack of Cousins continues quarterback's fumble issues
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has fumbled 15 times in 20 games since joining the team last season.

Alexander wants to return to Vikings lineup
Three weeks after dislocating his right elbow against the Falcons, cornerback Mackensie Alexander thinks he'll be ready for the Bears.
Field of screams: Vikings confront bizarre, cruel road history vs. Bears
For the Vikings, odd events and close losses have been the norm at Soldier Field. Four Vikings-Bears games in Chicago decided by last-minute drives since 2013

Sherels joins Treadwell as Vikings have 'reunion' day
Marcus Sherels was available after agreeing to an injury settlement with the New Orleans Saints, who signed the 31-year-old cornerback in free agency this spring.

Despite disciplined style, Vikings are forcing turnovers
Coach Mike Zimmer doesn't want his players to gamble too much, so turnovers don't come easily.

Cornerback Hughes returns, but isn't a fan of his knee brace
Hughes played with a knee brace and was a little rusty, but hadn't been in a game for 11 months.
Injured Barr sits out for Vikings, but other linebackers stand tall
Eric Wilson led all defenders with 11 combined tackles, including two sacks; Eric Kendricks played a big part in shutting down Oakland's attempt at a run game.

Vikings castoff Daniel Carlson returns: Isn't that just a kick?
The ousted 2018 fifth-round pick has landed on his feet with the Raiders.

Vikings' pregame pyrotechnics temporarily extinguished by NFL
The Vikings say they are "exploring other special effects options."

Zimmer said Cousins, receivers need to communicate better
A completion percentage of .438 was the telling stat as the Packers forced three turnovers from the quarterback.

Big game, losing effort: Cook has 191 yards from scrimmage vs. Packers
Part of Dalvin Cook's big day at Lambeau Field was a career-high 75-yard rushing touchdown.
Griffen shares mental-health lesson: 'It's OK to reach out'
Everson Griffen said he's "happy to be here, healthy" after two police incidents in September 2018 led to mental health treatment and his missing five games.
Griffen impresses against run and pass in Vikings opener
Everson Griffen was credited with only one tackle — a third-quarter sack on Matt Ryan — but played a big role in other ways during the victory over Atlanta.

Cornerback Alexander suffers dislocated elbow in first half
Mackensie Alexander, the fourth-year slot corner, will undergo an MRI, according to coach Mike Zimmer, which will help determine the severity of his injury.

Safety Harris proves himself to be a 'certified baller' once again
Anthony Harris, who starred in Sunday's victory over the Falcons, showed once again how well he works in the defensive backfield with Vikings star Harrison Smith.

Falcons' Jones plans to play, will be shadowed by Rhodes
The two Pro Bowlers have battled three times, and the Vikings have won all three meetings.
This Vikings defense sticks, and sticks together
The Vikings' defensive starters are referenced as "a brotherhood." The least experienced in the system is entering his third season; the other 10 enter their fifth season together.
Vikings rookie center Bradbury will butt heads anytime
Garrett Bradbury likes a good battle of wits, and his brains and brawn have served him well as he assumes a starting spot on the Vikings' revamped offensive line.

Veteran punter Colquitt signs with Vikings
Kaare Vedvik was claimed by the Jets off waivers, preventing him from joining the practice squad.

Vikings trade guard Isidora to Dolphins; Hollins, Wozniak among cuts
Danny Isidora was a fifth-round pick in 2017 out of the University of Miami. He played in 21 games over the past two seasons
Vikings still vexed by Vedvik; Bailey makes two FGs in preseason loss
Kaare Vedvik handled placekicking duties in the first half and, after making an extra point, pushed a 37-yard field goal attempt wide right for his third straight miss of the preseason.
Cut day looms but it's 'Hakuna Matata' for Vikings' Treadwell
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer has sent signals that receiver Laquon Treadwell is on the trade block.
Seventh-round pick may have Vikings receiver spot locked up
Olabisi Johnson, a seventh-round pick out of Colorado State, has caught five passes for 87 yards and a touchdown this preseason -- and has also caught the eyes of the coaching staff.

Vedvik's misses confound Vikings coach Zimmer
The Vikings' kicking competition took another turn Saturday as new addition Kaare Vedvik missed twice.

Boone hopes to stand out in a deep Vikings backfield
Backfield depth is a welcome sight for a Vikings offense desperately trying to re-establish its rushing attack, and exceptional special-teams work might be Mike Boone's path to playing.
Vikings let Vedvik do a bit of everything in kicking game
Kaare Vedvik, acquired last week via trade with the Ravens, handled kickoffs, booted away three punts and made one extra point.

Vikings' Stephen Weatherly, Hercules Mata'afa look to create interior pass rush
The defensive tackles need to demonstrate that they can apply pressure against mobile QBs.

Vikings day at camp: Buxton pays Diggs a visit
Byron Buxton was among the visitors to camp; it was a rough day for Dan Bailey.

Focus on running game means more Ham for Vikings
Starting fullback C.J. Ham didn't see much playing time last season, but he's thrilled that fullbacks will be getting more work in the Vikings' revamped offense.

Vikings hire baseball executive as new chief operating officer
Kevin Warren is leaving the team to become commissioner of the Big Ten, and his spot will be taken by former Toronto Blue Jays vice president Andrew Miller.

Special teams shake-up: Vikings trade for Ravens kicker Vedvik
Kaare Vedvik, a second-year pro from Norway, could end up handling both the kicking and punting duties for the Vikings, whose special teams remain in flux.
Vikings tackles Stephen, Joseph create a 638-pound barrier
They may not be the "Williams Wall," the tackles that anchored the Vikings defense a decade ago, but Shamar Stephen and Linval Joseph are expected to provide a formidable presence in 2019.

Tackle O'Neill injures arm, won't be out 'too long,' Zimmer says
For the fourth consecutive August, the Vikings' starting five offensive linemen likely won't be together for the preseason opener.