Emily Leiker
Sports Reporter
Emily Leiker covers the Vikings for the Minnesota Star Tribune. She was previously the Syracuse football beat writer for Syracuse.com & The Post-Standard, covering everything from bowl games to coaching changes and even a player-filed lawsuit against SU. Emily graduated from Mizzou in 2022 is originally from Washington state.
Latest from Emily Leiker
Byron Murphy Jr., Andrew Van Ginkel feast on the Lions in Vikings’ Christmas win
The Lions had given the ball up just eight times entering Week 17. The Vikings had six takeaways, including two each by Murphy and Van Ginkel, earning a postgame celebration from Netflix.
December 26, 2025
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy out vs. the Lions with a hairline fracture in his right hand
Though McCarthy will miss the Christmas Day game, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said there’s a chance the quarterback could play against the Packers in the season finale.
December 23, 2025
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson got ‘back into Jets mode’ with 85-yard performance against Giants
Jefferson is less than 100 yards away from reaching the 1,000-yard mark for the sixth time in six NFL seasons.
December 22, 2025
Ryan Kelly, Jordan Mason join J.J. McCarthy on the Vikings’ lengthy injured list
The Vikings began Sunday’s game against the Giants without four starters because of injuries, then lost two more and a top running back before halftime.
December 22, 2025
Vikings move Darrisaw to IR, will be without Hargrave against Giants
Darrisaw did not practice all week after not playing Sunday against the Cowboys. Justin Skule again will start in his place.
December 19, 2025
Justin Jefferson is finding he fits in the fashion world
The Vikings’ star receiver and his stylist have turned fashion-forward, personality-flashing tunnel ‘fits into runway opportunities, pushing Jefferson into a broader realm of fame.
December 19, 2025
Giants defensive standouts provide pass rush test for J.J. McCarthy, Vikings O-line
Veteran Giants edge rusher Brian Burns is No. 2 in the league in sacks this season despite his team’s losing record. Rookie Abdul Carter and others add to an up-front threat that could have the Vikings on their toes.
December 18, 2025
Vikings safety Josh Metellus joins Jonathan Greenard on IR because of season-ending surgery
Meanwhile, the Vikings opened the practice window for 2025 draft pick Gavin Bartholomew, who had been on the PUP list because of a back injury.
December 17, 2025
Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery
Greenard aggravated a shoulder injury he suffered against the Ravens during Sunday night’s win over the Cowboys.
December 16, 2025
The Vikings elected to receive the opening kickoff Sunday ... and that doesn’t happen often
Choosing to defer the ball off the opening coin toss has been popular practice, but the Vikings were hoping to strike quickly and play with the lead.
December 12, 2025
T.J. Hockenson returns to Vikings practice; Jordan Addison remains limited
The statuses for offensive weapons on both sides of Sunday night’s Vikings-Cowboys game are still up in the air.
December 11, 2025
Vikings defense turned high-pressure situation into ‘catalyst’ vs. Commanders
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores commended his unit for their red-zone stand on Washington’s opening drive. The Vikings defense has allowed the fifth-fewest touchdowns in the league this year.
December 9, 2025
