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
Not a 'top-tier year' for Jefferson, but he says he would never give up on the Vikings
Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson said this season is among the most difficult of his career, but he wouldn’t call it a waste of one of his prime years.
December 5, 2025
Vikings guard Donovan Jackson returns to practice; Jayden Daniels takes every rep for Commanders
Quarterback Jayden Daniels was a full participant in practice for Washington on Thursday as he prepares to come back from a dislocated elbow.
December 4, 2025
Steelers claim former Vikings receiver Adam Thielen off waivers
The veteran wideout asked for his release after seeing limited action in what will be his final NFL season.
December 2, 2025
Commanders, after NFC title game appearance, fall to 3-9 entering Sunday’s game against Vikings
Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels and Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy have played the same number of games this season, and led their teams to the same records, while battling multiple injuries.
December 2, 2025
Vikings waive Adam Thielen as he seeks more playing time in his final NFL season
The Vikings parted with the fan favorite receiver at his request after bringing him back to Minnesota in a late August trade.
December 1, 2025
Vikings defense limited the Seahawks’ playmakers. It wasn’t enough.
The Vikings sacked Sam Darnold four times and the Seattle offense found the end zone only once, but the end result was a 26-0 loss.
December 1, 2025
Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson is quiet during the Seahawks game and after
Jefferson had two catches for four yards, and then didn’t talk to reporters after a 26-0 loss in which the Vikings held Seattle star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in check too.
December 1, 2025
In Seattle, Sam Darnold takes the next step in his hero’s journey
As the Seahawks quarterback, Darnold has breathing room he didn’t have with the Vikings, creating space for mentorship, a league-leading partnership with a star receiver and a chance to return to the playoffs.
November 30, 2025
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy enters concussion protocol; status for Seattle game uncertain
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said Max Brosmer will take the first-team reps in practices until McCarthy is ready to return.
November 24, 2025
Vikings special teams unit makes another costly mistake: ‘Should’ve just got out the way’
A muffed punt by Vikings returner Myles Price at the start of the third quarter helped the Packers pull away, overshadowing Minnesota’s special teams highlights.
November 24, 2025
Ryan Kelly, Jonathan Greenard questionable for Vikings’ game vs. Packers
Kevin O’Connell said Kelly’s game designation was “procedural” because the center has not yet been elevated back to the active roster.
November 21, 2025
Fries has been rock — and ‘tree stump’ — of Vikings offensive line
Only one member of the Vikings' projected starting offensive line has appeared in all 10 games: right guard Will Fries. But the group might play together at last Sunday in Green Bay.
November 21, 2025
