Every weekday, we walk you through what’s going on with the Vikings.
WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
— There is a reason why kicker Blair Walsh has gotten so many chances to get his groove back. The Vikings have one of the league’s least productive red-zone offenses, and the struggles start with the running game.
— What was the key for running back Adrian Peterson in getting his first 100-plus yard game since Week 3 in Chicago? Keeping his feet moving.
— Rookie wide receiver Stefon Diggs returned to practice yesterday, but linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks stood and watched again.
— The Vikings are getting contributions from all six of their wide receivers, though some in that loud group are contributing more than others.
— Wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson is trying to remain positive even though he has plummeted all the way to the bottom of the depth chart.
— Here are your five Vikings stats that stand out this week, including wide receiver Mike Wallace’s lack of deep targets and receptions this season.
BEHIND ENEMY LINES
— Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis is looking forward to playing back home in Minnesota for the first time in his seven-year NFL career.
— Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin, playing a versatile role similar to what Patterson did here as a rookie, is putting the “draft bust” talk to rest.
— Dropped passes and fumbles continue to be an issue for the Rams.
TODAY’S VIKINGS SCHEDULE
The Vikings practice at 11 this morning. Coach Mike Zimmer will be on the podium after practice and the locker room will be open to reporters.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Former Rams quarterback Shaun Hill is on the roster now, so naturally the Vikings have spent all week interrogating him about his old team, right? Well, maybe not. “To me those things are overrated,” offensive coordinator Norv Turner said. “What gives you the best ability to understand a team is what you see on tape.” Turner did acknowledge that one advantage is that Hill’s knowledge of the Rams’ individual defenders could be helpful to starter Teddy Bridgewater. “I think it may be comforting to Teddy,” he said.
Ben Goessling is in his sixth year covering the Vikings, having joined the Star Tribune in 2017 after four seasons at ESPN and one at the Pioneer Press. He is an Apple Valley High School and University of Minnesota graduate. Follow him at @GoesslingStrib.
Mark Craig has covered the NFL for 23 years, and the Vikings since 2003 for the Star Tribune. He is one of 48 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. Follow him at @markcraignfl.
Andrew Krammer joined the Star Tribune in July 2016 after three years covering the Vikings for 1500 ESPN. He is a 2013 graduate of the University of Minnesota. Follow him at @Andrew_Krammer.
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