Recent content from Matt Vensel
Receiver Wright still puzzled about why he didn't play more last year
Jarius Wright, despite leading the Vikings in catches and receiving yards in 2014 and 2015 combined, was active for only eight games in 2016.
Griffen's new contract puts Vikings in position for more big deals
GM Rick Spielman said Everson Griffen's $58 million deal gives the Vikings more financial flexibility with a handful of other key starters set to become free agents over the next two seasons.
Latavius Murray starts Vikings season with new level of heartbreak
Murray and Jonathan Diaz had been best friends since kindergarten, when a scuffle between the two resulted in them being pulled into the principal's office.
Vikings training camp: 8 key position battles
In certain positions, the Vikings still are hoping a starter asserts himself in training camp
A day in these custom Vikings cleats is far from ordinary
From Harambe to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, artist makes splash with designer kicks.
Vikings support Floyd after failed test gets him another day in jail
Michael Floyd said the failed tests were the result of him drinking kombucha tea, a fermented beverage that the Vikings recommend for its probiotic benefits.
Nowhere to go but up, and Vikings' O-line appears to be doing just that
On Thursday, after the Vikings wrapped up their offseason workout program, coach Mike Zimmer gushed about the offenseive linemen.
Robison's backup plan with Vikings: Contribute
Brian Robison might not be a starter in 2017, but he still intends to make an impact. "The bottom line is that I'm here to win football games," he said.
'You live and learn': Alexander sees error of his ways as Vikings rookie
Mackensie Alexander admitted that at times during his rookie year, he tuned out words of wisdom and instructions from Vikings coach Mike Zimmer.
Zimmer: 'One eye or two, it really doesn't matter. I'm going to be back'
Mike Zimmer is determined to coach -- whether he loses sight in his eye or not.
Vikings miss stubborn Zimmer, encouraged by determined Bridgewater
General Manager Rick Spielman could only laugh when asked whether it was Zimmer's decision or the team's for the coach to take time away.
Vikings' Floyd back in his comfort zone — on and off the field
Back home in Minnesota and legally cleared to practice with the Vikings, wide receiver Michael Floyd spent the past two days of organized team activities playing catch-up.
Vikings surprise: Bridgewater throws passes during team workout
It is believed Tuesday was the first time Teddy Bridgewater was on the field with Vikings teammates since suffering a major knee injury last August.
'Time to go to work': Floyd hopes to reboot troubled career with Vikings
In Arizona, former Cretin-Derham Hall standout Michael Floyd pleaded guilty to extreme drunken driving on Feb. 17. He had a blood alcohol level of .217, almost three times the legal limit, and is serving a sentence that runs into June.
Vikings draft choice forges ahead with heavy heart
On a Sunday morning a few years back, Rodney Adams walked out of his dormitory room to find his position coach sitting there waiting for him with tragic news.
Small college star pursuing his Vikings dream with a heavy heart
Among the little-known players on the Winter Park practice fields for the Vikings' rookie camp will be a former Division III standout who arrived with the twin hopes of making the team and honoring his deceased parents.
Draft hurt some, helped some
We already have written about how the 11 players the Vikings drafted will fit into the mix and the important lineup questions that must be…
With NFL draft complete, Vikings face pressing roster questions
Here are five of the most-pressing roster questions coach Mike Zimmer and his staff must answer in the next four months during spring workouts, training camp and the preseason.
Getting offensive: Vikings attack draft strategically
The Vikings used five of their first seven draft picks on offensive players, including the top two. It's the first time the Vikings have done the latter since hiring defensive-minded Mike Zimmer in 2014.
Vikings aren't expected to exercise Teddy Bridgewater's 2018 team option, report says
ESPN report cites team's potential issue with $12.2 million injury guarantee.
Case can be made for Vikings drafting a quarterback in later round
With Teddy Bridgewater's future uncertain and Sam Bradford signed only through 2017, it's possible the Vikings could attempt to uncover a hidden gem in this week's NFL draft.
Vikings QB Bradford isn't stressing over uncertain contract situation
Sam Bradford said Tuesday that "I don't believe" the Vikings had reached out to his agent to start talks about a contract extension. He is not signed beyond this season.
How will the Vikings use their eight draft picks?
Slightly-educated-but-mostly-wild guesses on how the draft might go for the Vikings this weekend.
Prospects for Vikings defensive line depend on Floyd's future
Leading up to the NFL draft starting Thursday, we'll take an exclusive look at the Vikings' needs at each position and how they'll address them. Today at look at the defensive line. Check for a new story each day.
Vikings draft preview: It's not just Treadwell; depth needed at WR, TE
Leading up to the 2017 NFL draft starting Thursday, we'll take an exclusive look at the Vikings' needs at each position and how they'll address them. Depth at receiver could be bolstered from within.
Murray moves in; Vikings and Peterson will move on
The Adrian Peterson era in Minnesota came to a quiet close in the early morning hours Thursday. GM Rick Spielman texted the former MVP informing him the Vikings had signed Latavius Murray.
Vikings sign former Oakland running back Latavius Murray
Latavius Murray, 27, agreed to a contract with the Vikings early Thursday morning. He joins a backfield that includes Jerick McKinnon, Bishop Sankey and C.J. Ham but probably not Adrian Peterson.
Torii Hunter's son follows dad's football dream
Before he was an All Star, Torii Hunter's first love was football, and Money Hunter hopes to make it in the NFL out of Arkansas State.
Ex-Lion Reiff fills Vikings' tackle need; Kalil, Locke, Ellison headed out
Reiff figures to solidify one of their two tackle spots, which was the Vikings' most glaring need and its top priority heading into free agency. The team lost three players and fell short in a bid for a high-profile receiver.
Leidner gets a little more time to prove himself at NFL combine
As one of the last passers picked to attend the scouting combine Mitch Leidner was asked by event organizers to be a "throwing quarterback," which means he is doing double duty.
Potential Vikings' draft prospect among those shunned from NFL combine under new policy
Combine shuns top prospects with off-field issues, irking some teams.
Three-cone drill, unlike some tests at the combine, actually matters
The scouting combine's three-cone drill can make or break an NFL prospect. Eventual Vikings picks Harrison Smith, Matt Kalil, Anthony Barr and Jerick McKinnon all excelled at the drill.
Peterson's return to Vikings unlikely, team declines $18 million option
The Vikings are expected to talk with Adrian Peterson's agent at the NFL combine while they also evaluate possible replacements. It's likely he's played his final down with the team.
Spielman has plan to avoid repeating 2016: 'I hate failure with a passion'
The Vikings have a blueprint for the offseason, and GM Rick Spielman even brought it along - but didn't reveal it - to a meeting with reporters.
Belle Plaine's Dungey reflects on extraordinary dirtbike career
Ryan Dungey turned an unspectacular amateur career in Minnesota into one of the most prolific professional runs in the history of dirtbike riding.
Vikings hire Darrell Hazell as wide receivers coach
The Vikings had been interviewing candidates since George Stewart agreed late last month to become the special teams coordinator for the Chargers.
Vikings playing in Super Bowl in own backyard? It's not out of the question
The Vikings have a lot of work to do. But making next year's Super Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium a home game is within the realm of possibilities.
Peterson names teams he'd like to join if he doesn't stay with Vikings
But Adrian Peterson wants to stay with the Vikings … and get his $18 million. "I've earned my way up to that, by the way," he said in an interview.
In or out: A position-by-position look at Vikings roster
The Vikings head into an especially uncertain offseason. The core of the squad that had Super Bowl hopes in September will remain intact, but the Vikings could say goodbye to a couple of franchise cornerstones.
Vikings' Zimmer not betting against Bridgewater, but endorses Bradford
Coach affirmed QB's status going forward in a Vikings offense full of questions.
Vikings put some shine on season finale with blowout over Bears
Flashes of the Vikings' 5-0 start came together Sunday as Minnesota forced five Chicago turnovers and ended the year on a high note.
The Call: Previewing Sunday's Vikings-Bears game
The Vikings might finish the season 8-8 ... or they might not.
Five burning questions for the Vikings this offseason
Some issues the Vikings will have to ponder after the 2016 season ends Sunday.
Stay or leave: 12 Vikings on the bubble
With a bunch of free agents and a few overpriced veterans on the books, there will be a lot of locker stalls vacated at Winter…
Bradford 'all for' Shurmur's return as Vikings offensive coordinator
Sam Bradford's four highest passing yardage totals this season have come since Pat Shurmur took over as offensive coordinator in November.
Vikings say miscommunication led to assignment rift
Coach said deviation from plan lasted only one series.
From 5-0 to no postseason, Vikings fall hard to Packers
The 38-25 loss at Lambeau Field dropped the Vikings below .500 for the first time this season and eliminated them from playoff contention.
Vikings back to having much ground to make up on rival Green Bay
Last year in Green Bay, the Vikings were in celebration mode. Now they go to Lambeau needing a win just to stay alive.
The Call: Packers in position to make power play on Vikings
The last time the Vikings went to Lambeau Field, they held off a Packers rally to win the NFC North. On this trip, they are fighting just to have something to play for in Week 17.
Griffen, Smith, Rhodes and Patterson selected to Pro Bowl
Everson Griffen and Harrison Smith both earned their second straight Pro Bowl selections, which are based on voting from coaches, players and fans.
Zimmer, searching for a fix, says he needs to get Vikings 'on point'
Mike Zimmer is staring down one of the toughest challenges of his tenure — picking up the pieces of Sunday's embarrassing loss to the Colts
Adrian Peterson returns, but Colts still have Luck [The Call]
After an ugly win over the Jaguars last weekend, the Vikings must keep it going Sunday against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts.
Vikings' Rudolph adheres to strict regimen to get from game to game
Durable Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph swears by his weekly routine to recover and get ready for the next game. We take a detailed look.
Peterson practices again; 'extremely hungry' to play
Adrian Peterson was feeling good Thursday after his first two practices since his September knee surgery "went pretty smoothly."
Adrian Peterson returns to a vastly different Vikings offense
When the air horn sounded Wednesday afternoon, signaling the start of the first Vikings practice of the week, Peterson reclaimed his old spot at the front of the team stretch
Fusco is latest Vikings offensive lineman to suffer concussion
Right guard Brandon Fusco on Sunday suffered his second concussion of the season.
The Call: Vikings need a win, and Jacksonville looks beatable
A look inside the Vikings' matchup with the Jaguars.
Peterson plans to play this season -- only if Vikings have shot at playoffs
Adrian Peterson, out since a Week 2 knee injury, wants to return later this month with the hope of leading the Vikings into the postseason. But he won't play 'for obvious reasons' if the team has been eliminated.
Diggs approaching statistical milestones with Vikings
Stefon Diggs, with 806 receiving yards and four games left, is on pace for 1,128. And with 75 catches in 10 games, he is within striking distance of 100.
In Peterson's possible return to Vikings, is it 'Yo, Adrian,' or 'No, Adrian'?
With the Vikings' once-promising season on the brink and another staredown over his contract looming in the offseason, does it make sense for Adrian Peterson to return to action?
Three takeaways from Thursday's Vikings-Cowboys game
The Vikings defensive front rose to the occasion against the NFL's best offensive line.
Vikings fall 2 points short against Dallas when final-minute rally fails
The Vikings missed their head coach, and much in the way of offensive production until a touchdown on the final drive. But the conversion try to tie the game fell incomplete.
Zimmer's season outlook uncertain as he deals with dangerous eye injury
General manager Rick Spielman would not say whether there is potential for head coach Mike Zimmer to miss multiple games. The team will reassess the situation Friday.
Vikings take the field vs. Dallas without Mike Zimmer as coach
Even with a crucial game against Dallas, "the most important thing is the concern for Coach Zimmer and his health," General Manager Rick Spielman said. Special teams coach Mike Priefer is filling in.
Cowboys' Prescott, Elliott pack a punch Vikings must face head-on
Dallas rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott have reinvigorated a franchise back to the status as the NFC's best team. The Cowboys can make it 11 wins in a row with a win over the Vikings.
Treadwell's time has come as Zimmer cites improvement
Laquon Treadwell made his first career start, in place of the injured Stefon Diggs, in Thursday's loss to the Detroit Lions and played a career-high 34 snaps on offense.
Several key Vikings players miss Sunday practice
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, safety Harrison Smith, cornerbacks Captain Munnerlyn and Marcus Sherels, middle linebacker Eric Kendricks and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd stretched with the team inside the practice facility, then ducked out toward the locker room when drills began. Center Joe Berger, who has a concussion, was not spotted at all.
Determined or delusional? Vikings still eyeing playoff berth
Vikings are down, but not out — no, seriously — after their latest wrenching loss to Lions
Trapped by Lions: Vikings lose on game-ending field goal
It was the latest comeback win for the Lions, who rallied from three points down with five minutes left to stun the Vikings again and knock the Vikings back into second place in the NFC North.
Adopt and adapt: Joe Berger's family grew along with his Vikings success
Adoption became a reality for Vikings center Joe Berger and his wife when they least expected it.
Hillman spun out of Vikings' running back rotation
Ronnie Hillman, who signed with the Vikings in September, played six offensive snaps against the Cardinals and rushed for 9 yards on two carries.
For Forbath, a friend's misfortune opens Vikings opportunity
Kai Forbath feels for Blair Walsh. But he realizes this is another opportunity to find a home in the NFL. And having experienced what Walsh is going through, he isn't going to take it for granted.
Walsh kicks away his chance with Vikings
The reeling Vikings gave struggling kicker Blair Walsh the boot instead of another opportunity to cost them a game with a missed kick. Kai Forbath will replace him.
Running in place: Vikings ground game still going nowhere
The Vikings are on pace to have the lowest yards-per-carry average in an NFL season since before Mike Zimmer was born.
