Staff Directory 6370577

Andrew Krammer

Reporter | Minnesota Vikings

Andrew Krammer covers the Vikings for the Star Tribune, entering his sixth NFL season. From the Metrodome to U.S. Bank Stadium, he's reported on everything from Case Keenum's Minneapolis Miracle, the offensive line's kangaroo court to Adrian Peterson's suspension.


Krammer, a 2013 graduate of the University of Minnesota's Journalism program, got his start covering local news through internships for the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press in St. Paul. Krammer was born on the east coast, raised on the west coast and ended up in the middle. He transitioned to his first love, sports, by taking over the Vikings beat at 1500 ESPN in Minneapolis prior to joining the Star Tribune's coverage in July 2016. You can find him at a local barbecue joint, Anytime Fitness or national park (during the Vikings' offseason).
Recent content from Andrew Krammer
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) celebrates with wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) after Allen threw a touchdown pass against the Vi

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.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson had the ball ripped out of his hands in the first quarter against the Chargers for the Vikings’ seventh lost fumble of the

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.
Vikings running back Alexander Mattison carried 20 times for 93 yards against the Chargers on Sunday, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

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?

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 wide receiver Justin Jefferson broke the grasps of Chargers safety JT Woods on his way to a 52-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter Sunday.

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 center Garrett Bradbury has been out since injuring his back on the seventh snap of the Sept. 10 season opener against the Buccaneers.

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.
Running back Alexander Mattison received a slew of racist messages on social media after the Vikings’ Week 2 loss in Philadelphia, later sharing and

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.
Cam Akers was considered to be the top running back on the Rams going into the 2023 season, but two weeks later he finds himself on a new team.

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?

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

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.
Dalton Risner (66)  started 62 games for the Denver Broncos.

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.
Alexander Mattison took time to sign autographs for fans during training camp.

'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 running back Alexander Mattison (2) warmed up ahead of Thursday’s game in Philadelphia.

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 offensive lineman Oli Udoh had to be carted off the field Thursday night in Philadelphia.

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.
Eagles running back D’Andre Swift tried to elude Vikings safety Josh Metellus in the fourth quarter Thursday night in Philadelphia, when Swift ran f

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

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.
With backup center Austin Schlottmann (65) unable to protect Kirk Cousins, Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis sacked the Vikings QB in the first qua

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  left tackle Christian Darrisaw (71), who grew up outside of Washington, D.C., will have about 20 family members in attendance at Thursday’s

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.
Garrett Bradbury, above, will be replaced by Austin Schlottmann at center on Thursday against the Eagles.

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 right tackle Brian O’Neill was scheduled to make $14.4 million in base salary this season.

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.
A loose ball rolled on the ground after Kirk Cousins fumbled in the first quarter of the Vikings game against Tampa Bay.

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

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.
Vikings rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., left, played most of the game against Tampa Bay on Sunday.

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

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.
A back injury sidelined Vikings center Garrett Bradbury for five games last season and knocked him out in the first quarter against Tampa Bay on Sunda

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.
Receiver Jordan Addison, the Vikings’ first-round draft pick in April, scored a 39-yard touchdown in his NFL debut.

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

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 quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) was pressured by Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

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.
Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Marcus Davenport (0) runs a drill during offseason organized team activities Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the TCO Pe

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.
Brian O’Neill did not play in the preseason but spent the past two weeks of practices preparing for his first game action since a Jan. 1 injury in G

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

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.
Justin Jefferson, left, and T.J. Hockenson could take advantage of a Tampa Bay defense that allowed 29 passing touchdowns last season.

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.
Vikings rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison is listed behind K.J. Osborn on the team’s first depth chart of the regular season.

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?

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

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 defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, seen warming up before the preseason game against the Cardinals on Aug. 26 at U.S. Bank Stadium, gave away

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.
Kyle Rudolph’s 4,642 receiving yards rank 11th in Vikings history, second among tight ends behind Steve Jordan.

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.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Marcus Davenport walks off the field before the team's preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday

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.
After leading Miami in rushing in 2020 and 2021, Myles Gaskin was inactive for 11 games and ended last season on injured reserve.

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

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.
Vikings rookie running back DeWayne McBride was among those players cut on Tuesday and re-signed to the practice squad on Wednesday.

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.
Running back Myles Gaskin, right, led the Dolphins in rushing yards in 2020 and 2021.

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.
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sheldon Day (52) gets an arm around Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (32) in the first quarter of an NFL

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.
Running back Abram Smith was among the players cut by the Vikings on Monday.

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.
Vederian Lowe warmed up on the practice field during the Vikings’ rookie minicamp on May 13, 2022.

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.
Vikings safety Jay Ward’s strip sack of Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune led to a touchdown Saturday.

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.
Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah II, left, with Jordan Hicks on Aug. 12, missed two weeks of practice with a shoulder injury.

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

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.
Brian O’Neill

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."
T.J. Hockenson

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.
Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson greets team owner Zygi Wilf during a practice session earlier this month.

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.
Quarterback Jaren Hall (16) is getting plenty of playing time in preseason games, but hasn’t commanded a spot on the roster.

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?
Jordan Ta’amu was the starting quarterback at Mississippi during his senior season in 2018.

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.
Quick off the snap, defensive tackle Sheldon Day had a strong performance in the Vikings’ preseason game against the Titans.

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 quarterback Kirk Cousins spoke to Titans counterpart Ryan Tannehill after Saturday night’s game — a game neither one had to play in, or ge

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.
Rookie Mekhi Blackmon (11) is among the young cornerbacks the Vikings may need to rely on this season.

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 safety Josh Metellus (44) worked on drills with Tennessee wide receiver Chris Moore during a joint practice Thursday at TCO Performance Center

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

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 receiver Jordan Addison has been sidelined from team activities with injuries twice since he was drafted.

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.
Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson greeted team owner Zygi Wilf on Aug. 3, the last day he was able to practice fully with the team before Monday.

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."
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell worked with quarterback Kirk Cousins during training camp Saturday at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan.

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.
Running back Kareem Hunt spent the last four years in Cleveland, where he backed up Nick Chubb and peaked with 1,145 yards from scrimmage and 11 touch

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

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.
Jordan Addison is gaining confidence in the playbook after two weeks of practice — just as importantly he’s gaining the confidence of his teammate

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 cornerback Mekhi Blackmon watched a drill during the training camp Saturday in Eagan.

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.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell oversaw Thursday’s practice, and had good things to say about the progress of his team’s young cornerbacks.

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
Ezra Cleveland, right, has started 40 consecutive games (one in playoffs) at left guard for the Vikings.

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.
The Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson had the most catches (60) and yards (519) last season by any NFL tight end except Travis Kelce (87).

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

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 center Alan Ali (66) and quarterback Jaren Hall (16) led fans in the Skol chant during practice Monday in Eagan.

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.
Defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga is among those eyeing a starting role for the Vikings.

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.
In 25 NFL starts, the Vikings’ Christian Darrisaw has established himself as one of the NFL’s top left tackles.

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 quarterback Kirk Cousins walked out for practice Thursday. Later that night, Cousins impressed teammates and coaches with a speech addressing

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 has Josh Metellus developed since being a sixth-round draft pick in 2020? “Some guys like studying math. Some guy”s like studying science. I l

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.
Vikings cornerback Joejuan Williams made a grab during a team workout in May.

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.