Recent content from Andrew Krammer

Why were Vikings fooled so badly by Chargers trick touchdown pass?
The Vikings were a little too ready for Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's quick strikes on Sunday when they gave up a touchdown pass — thrown by wide receiver Keenan Allen.

As fumbles mount for Vikings, O'Connell hints at lineup changes
The Vikings have lost an NFL-worst seven fumbles, and if the players can't fix it, "we're going to have to put guys in the game that have ball security," Kevin O'Connell said.
Mattison, Vikings rushing attack manage to make gains
Alexander Mattison aims to build trust following a slow start to the season.

Podcast: Staring up from 0-3, where do Vikings go from here?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins return from the Vikings locker room to discuss Sunday's 28-24 loss to the Chargers. What's the outlook from 0-3?

Vikings struggle on third down and in red zone, overshadowing passing stats
Kirk Cousins leads the NFL in passing yards and Justin Jefferson tied the league record for receiving yards in a season's first three games, but the Vikings remain winless.

Vikings-Chargers inactives: Bradbury misses second game with back injury
Center Garrett Bradbury and edge rusher Marcus Davenport were ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw is back in the lineup.

When hate hits on social media, Vikings players make their decision
Alexander Mattison gave us a powerful reminder that players hear everything — good, bad, ugly — from fans on social media. Deciding whether to stay online or log off is a decision involving mental health, financial opportunity, fan connections and more.

Akers seeking fresh start with Vikings after troubled time with Rams
Cam Akers didn't go into detail about his departure from Los Angeles but said he should be able to get up to speed quickly with his new team.

Mailbag podcast: Lewis Cine's outlook? Vikings as buyers and sellers?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand answer your questions about the Vikings defense, the potential directions of this season, the run game and more.

Podcast: Vikings bulk up O-line, try to rise from 0-2 hole vs Chargers
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the signing of guard Dalton Risner and preview Sunday's game against the Chargers in this Access Vikings episode.

Vikings sign ex-Broncos starter Risner to aid struggling line
Dalton Risner brings offensive line help to 0-2 Vikings. He was a free agent after starting 62 games at left guard for the Broncos from 2019 through 2022.

'Something that happens way too much.' Mattison on racist message
Running back Alexander Mattison called out the online vitriol that often comes from unsatisfied sports gamblers and fantasy football players. He was a target after the Vikings' loss to the Eagles.

Vikings' Mattison received racist messages on social media after loss to Eagles
The NFL and the Vikings condemned the racial slurs directed at Alexander Mattison. "I know this is not just an isolated incident," Kevin O'Connell said.

Vikings tackle Udoh out for season with quad injury
The Vikings are down to six healthy offensive linemen on the active roster after Oli Udoh, who was starting for the injured Christian Darrisaw, was lost for the year with a torn left quad tendon.
Relentless Eagles rushing attack lays waste to Vikings defense
The Vikings joined poor company in franchise history when the Eagles ran for 259 yards — the most against Minnesota's defense since a loss on Christmas Day 2020.

Podcast: Turnovers and outmatched lines too much for Vikings to overcome in Philly
From Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss all angles of the Vikings' 34-28 loss in this Access Vikings podcast.

For Vikings, another batch of injuries increases pain of loss to Eagles
Oli Udoh, who started at left tackle, appeared to suffer a serious left knee injury in the fourth quarter. Teammates gathered around him before he was carted off the field.

Vikings-Eagles inactives: Davenport, Darrisaw will play through injuries
Edge rusher Marcus Davenport will make his Vikings debut, while left tackle Christian Darrisaw will not join center Garrett Bradbury on the sidelines in Philadelphia. Davenport and Darrisaw are battling ankle injuries.

Vikings' Bradbury, 4 Eagles starters out for Thursday's game
The Vikings will be without their starting center on Thursday night, but the Eagles were also hit hard on the injury report.
Vikings add nearly $10 million in cap space by restructuring O'Neill's contract
The move with right tackle Brian O'Neill's deal happened Saturday, when the Vikings were still in negotiations about an extension for receiver Justin Jefferson.

Mailbag: Can Vikings offensive line improve? What about Jefferson's second half?
Readers wanted to know about Ed Ingram, the Vikings' coverage scheme, Justin Jefferson's quiet second half vs. the Bucs and more.

Podcast: Answering Vikings questions on Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers, defense and more
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open up the mailbag and answer your questions no matter how tongue-in-cheek.

Asamoah expects to have Oklahoma reunion with Eagles' Hurts
Rookie Ivan Pace Jr. took most of the snaps at inside linebacker Sunday against Tampa Bay, but Brian Asamoah II is expected to play more Thursday in Philadelphia.

Podcast: Panic button? Sizing up the Vikings' challenge in Philadelphia
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the level of concern around these Vikings and the challenges that await on Thursday night against the Eagles.

Vikings list Bradbury out, Darrisaw, Davenport limited on short week
No matter who constitutes the Vikings offensive line against the Eagles on Thursday, "we can't miss a beat," coach Kevin O'Connell said.

Addison scores TD as part of up-and-down debut for Vikings rookies
There were growing pains Sunday against Tampa Bay, but Jordan Addison, Ivan Pace Jr. and Mekhi Blackmon handled big roles.

Podcast: Vikings' unforced errors lead to season-opening loss to Buccaneers
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss the familiar issues that plagued the Vikings in a season-opening loss, and take a look around the NFC North after one week.
Vikings center Garrett Bradbury leaves opener in first quarter because of back injury
Former Gophers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has an eventful homecoming with the Buccaneers.

Vikings-Bucs inactives: Davenport ruled out due to ankle injury
Edge rusher Marcus Davenport, one of the team's top free-agent signings this offseason, will miss the season opener against Tampa Bay with an ankle injury that limited his practice late in the week.

Vikings' O'Neill feels 'like a real person again' in return from Achilles injury
The right tackle will see his first game action since his Jan. 1 injury in Green Bay when the Vikings host the Buccaneers on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Surprised to be starting, Mattison's time has come for the Vikings
Alexander Mattison wasn't sure this day would come in Minnesota and once assumed he'd be moving on. But now he's Dalvin Cook's replacement as the Vikings' featured running back.

Vikings mailbag: Who'll have a better Week 1, Jefferson or Hockenson?
Readers want to know which Vikings star on offense will have the better game against the Buccaneers on Sunday and which rookies will make a splash.

Rookie Addison likes his chances for quick success with Vikings
Jordan Addison looks forward to getting on the field with Justin Jefferson, knowing that the superstar wide receiver will command a lot of attention from opponents.

Podcast: Will Vikings sign Justin Jefferson before Sunday's opener?
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the possibility of a Jefferson extension before Sunday and preview the season opener against the Buccaneers.

New leader of Vikings cornerbacks is still ascending
No new Vikings player is in a more pivotal role than cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., who is being asked to play multiple positions and be a leader to his not-much-younger teammates.

Vikings' Phillips gives away 65 tickets to season opener
The defensive tackle likes filling off days giving back with his foundation and others around the Twin Cities.

Former Viking Rudolph retires, will be honored Sept. 24
Tight end Kyle Rudolph spent 10 seasons with the Vikings, who will celebrate his career during the Sept. 24 game against the Chargers at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Six new Vikings who could make a big impact in 2023
A mass exodus of veteran players opened up opportunities for new contributors on the Vikings roster. Meet four free-agent signings and two rookies in important roles.

Gaskin has bumpy ride to join Vikings backfield
Also, Justin Jefferson is chosen as a Vikings team captain for the first time.

Podcast: T.J. Hockenson gets paid, and names to know on the 53-man roster
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss Hockenson's new contract, and Mark Craig joins to tell you more about the unheralded players who made the 53-man roster.

Here's Vikings' updated 53-man roster for 2023 season
After cutting their roster to 53 players on Tuesday, the Vikings picked up some offensive depth on Wednesday as players became available leaguewide.

Vikings sign running back Gaskin, tackle Quessenberry; waive Reagor
The Vikings added two free agents for offensive depth and waived receiver Jalen Reagor. Running back Kene Nwangwu is headed to injured reserve.

Vikings trim roster to 53 players at today's deadline
Defensive tackle Sheldon Day, a standout this preseason, is among the players informed he'll be released Tuesday. Check here for live updates.

Vikings cut 15 players ahead of Tuesday's roster deadline
The Vikings need to make 22 more moves to set their 53-man roster by 3 p.m. Tuesday.
Vikings trading offensive tackle Vederian Lowe to the Patriots
Vederian Lowe, a sixth-round pick out of Illinois, appeared in four games for the Vikings last season. They will recoup a sixth-round pick from New England.

Rookie safety's strong Saturday adds to hard conversations about Vikings roster
How many safeties will the Vikings keep? First-round draft pick Jay Ward made his case for a roster spot Saturday against the Cardinals.

Asamoah back from injury, giving Flores another tool for his scheme
The Vikings deployed all three linebackers — Jordan Hicks, Ivan Pace Jr. and Brian Asamoah — with the starting defense in Thursday's joint practice with the Cardinals.

Podcast: T.J. Hockenson, Jaren Hall, Trey Lance and the Vikings' end of summer
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss tight end T.J. Hockenson's continued limitations and contract negotiations, as well as Jaren Hall, Trey Lance and next week's deadline to cut the roster to 53 players.

Back in contact: O'Neill takes every offensive snap during joint practice
Offensive tackle Brian O'Neill is nearly nine months removed from a partial tear of his right Achilles. After lining up against the Cardinals, he said, "I didn't think about my leg one time."

Another setback for Hockenson: Now it's lower back stiffness
After sitting out because of an ear infection, Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson again was limited in practice, but this time with lower back stiffness.

Hockenson vows he'll be ready to play Week 1 for the Vikings
T.J. Hockenson, who is in the last year of his contract, has been sitting out all contact drills at Vikings training camp since Aug. 3 because of an ear infection.

Vikings roster projection: Youth movement tightens position battles
A youth movement has led to more tossups at key positions on both sides of the ball, What will the breakdown between veterans and youngsters be when the team makes cuts next week?

Vikings sign former XFL quarterback in final week of preseason
Jordan Ta'amu, the XFL's reigning Offensive Player of the Year, is the third former D.C. Defenders player and fourth QB on the Vikings roster.

Six Vikings takeaways include ongoing concerns after another loss
A defensive lineman and backup tight end were among the standouts Saturday night, but the offensive line and secondary were once again trouble spots in the preseason loss to the Titans.
Vikings leave all 22 projected starters on sidelines vs. Titans
Kevin O'Connell played even fewer starters than he did in the preseason opener at Seattle.

Vikings mailbag: Unproven corners, GM moves and strength of schedule
The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer answered readers question about the Vikings' unproven cornerback group, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's roster building and, of course, the offensive line.

Vikings offensive line gets the test it wanted from the Titans defense
The Titans, who had the No. 1 run defense in the NFL last season, spurred on the Vikings to a more aggressive approach with persistent trash talk and not-so-subtle jabs.

Podcast: Vikings' position battles, roster decisions and a mailbag
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss what they've seen at training camp and answer your questions on this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.

Vikings rookie Addison in concussion protocol, will miss preseason game
Vikings receiver Jordan Addison missed the first of two joint practices between the Vikings and the Titans on Wednesday after experiencing light concussion symptoms earlier in the week.

Hockenson back at practice, says ear infection kept him off the field
Tight end T.J. Hockenson was a full participant in Monday's practice after being out since Aug. 3, but said he's still healing from the ear infection "that was messing with my equilibrium."
O'Connell: Hunt visit was about exploring 'potential fit' in Vikings backfield
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Alexander Mattison remains the starting running back, and gave a vote of confidence for Ty Chandler as his backup.

Free-agent running back Hunt visits Vikings, leaves without deal
The Vikings appear to still be looking for backfield help and turned to Kareem Hunt, 28, who also recently worked out with the Colts and Saints. He left Friday without a contract.

Podcast: Vikings' preseason opener, cornerback outlook and Jordan Addison
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview the Vikings' preseason opener, cornerback Akayleb Evans' big role, and discuss receiver Jordan Addison's training camp so far.

After rocky start, rookie Addison impresses Vikings stars on the field
First-round pick Jordan Addison is cementing his role among the Vikings wide receivers, earning praise from high-profile teammates — and head coach Kevin O'Connell.

Vikings rookie cornerback Blackmon on trajectory 'for some playing time'
Mekhi Blackmon has proved his worth in Vikings training camp, overtaking veteran cornerback Joejuan Williams.

O'Connell pleased with Vikings cornerbacks ahead of joint practices
Coach Kevin O'Connell praised the progress of his cornerbacks this training camp as one of them continued to deal with yet another injury-related setback

Despite uncertain future, Vikings' Cleveland relishes line's stability
Ezra Cleveland, the team's starting left guard, is scheduled to be a free agent in March. But his wish is for a deal like the one received by teammate (and next-door neighbor) Garrett Bradbury.

After trade, Hockenson finally comfortable with Vikings playbook
"It took me awhile," said tight end T.J. Hockenson, who still put up good numbers last season after a midseason trade from Detroit.

Podcast: Vikings' pass-rush plans, possible roster moves during camp
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the latest from Vikings training camp on this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.
Vikings rookie QB Hall gets up to speed against defensive starters
With Nick Mullens excused from practice, fifth-round draft pick Jaren Hall led the second-team offense against the first-team defense in goal-line drills.

Which Vikings position battles will heat up when pads go on?
As the Vikings begin their fully padded practices this week, there are a number of players looking for bigger and better roles on the team. Here's what to look for.

A Vikings camp surprise? Stability on the offensive line
The Vikings' continuity on offense begins with the line, which returns all 11 players from last year's roster, anchored by tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill.
Vikings' Kirk Cousins asserts leadership, sets tone for season with impassioned speech to team
The quarterback gave a speech in front of the team that coaches keep talking about. He also has a new personal trainer that the Vikings have to fit into their culture.

How did Josh Metellus stick with the Vikings? Study, study, study
Harrison Smith is his mentor, Brian Flores sees his play-making ability, but the 2020 sixth-round pick credits his love of studying for finding a place in the Vikings secondary.

After year away from game, Williams joins Vikings defensive backfield
Former Patriot cornerback Joejuan Williams, who missed last season because of a shoulder injury, has held down the No. 3 cornerback job through two practices.