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.
Vikings camp report: New-look run game, potential starters emerging
Based on just one practice, a pecking order for some starters could be shaking out.
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.
In his second Vikings camp, Moritz Bohringer 'still a ways away'
Even during a couple of early camp practices that have been attended mostly by rookies, Bohringer has not done much to distinguish himself.
Oft-injured Exum hopes to avoid injury bug at Vikings camp
Antone Exum's NFL career has stalled in part because of untimely injuries, including one at spring workouts.
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
Vikings sign Chunky Clements
To make room for Clements, the Vikings waived rookie defensive end Caleb Kidder, who was with the team throughout spring workouts.
The 17 most important Vikings in 2017: No. 1, QB Sam Bradford
How Bradford plays in 2017 will not only factor significantly into whether the Vikings make the playoffs, but his performance is also likely to impact how they proceed at quarterback beyond this season.
The 17 most important Vikings in 2017: No. 2, LT Riley Reiff
Despite some limitations, Coach Mike Zimmer believes Reiff will bring both physicality and a tough mindset to an offensive line that Zimmer called "soft" at one point last season.
Vikings camp leaving Mankato was inevitable, logical and a bummer
It will be a daunting challenge for the Vikings to recapture the amazing fan experience they have in Mankato, where fans swarm to get an intimate glimpse at their favorite players,
The 17 most important Vikings in 2017: No. 5, OLB Anthony Barr
Throughout his first two NFL seasons, Anthony Barr made a monster play seemingly every other week. Last season, though, those splash plays dried up and Barr got pushed around.
The 17 most important Vikings in 2017: No. 6, RB Dalvin Cook
The Vikings were willing to take a chance on Cook, who fell out of the first round due to character concerns, in part because they feel he can be a versatile backfield weapon.
X Games' evolution from curiosity to mainstay rooted in breathtaking feats
The X Games continue to evolve, with bold new stars seeking bigger tricks, faster speeds. Competition gets underway today.
The 17 most important Vikings in 2017: No. 8, WR Stefon Diggs
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs has yet to establish himself as a star despite teasing the Vikings by occasionally terrorizing defensive backs. Can he up his game in 2017?
The 17 most important Vikings in 2017: No. 9, S Harrison Smith
Perhaps the most compelling argument for Harrison Smith being the most valuable Vikings defender came near the end of 2016 season, after the star safety suffered a significant ankle injury.
The 17 most important Vikings in 2017: No. 11, CB Trae Waynes
It took a couple years longer than some Vikings fans would have liked, but Trae Waynes should be a full-time starter at cornerback this season.
The 17 most important Vikings in 2017: No. 13, QB Teddy Bridgewater
Teddy Bridgewater might not play a single snap in 2017. But what happens over the next six months with Bridgewater will significantly impact the Vikings franchise for years to come.
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.
The 17 most important Vikings in 2017: No. 14, DE Everson Griffen
To count down the days until Vikings rookies, quarterbacks and select veterans report to Mankato on July 23, we will reveal our ranking of the 17 most important Vikings players heading into the 2017 season.
The 17 most important Vikings in 2017: No. 16, C/G Pat Elflein
Elflein, a center drafted in the third round, will get a chance to make his move once the pads come on and become the latest former Buckeyes lineman to start as a rookie.
The 17 most important Vikings in 2017: No. 17, RB Latavius Murray
To count down the days until Vikings rookies, quarterbacks and select veterans report to Mankato on July 23, we will reveal our ranking of the 17 most important Vikings players.
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.
How will wide receiver position shake out for Vikings behind top targets?
Who will claim the final one or two Vikings roster spots at wide receiver. Part of the answer will depend on what other skills they can bring to the team.
Michael Floyd expected to appear in Arizona court this afternoon
Vikings wide receiver Michael Floyd is expected to appear in an Arizona court this afternoon to make his case regarding his three breathalyzer tests flagged for alcohol and one missed test earlier this month.
Vikings hire Mark Uyeyama as head strength and conditioning coach
Uyeyama will be the third head strength and conditioning coach in Mike Zimmer's four years as head coach.
An early Vikings roster projection
The first full practice of training camp is in five weeks -- and there are more than a dozen roster spots where competition should be wide open. Here's a prediction on how they'll play out.
Former Vikings coordinator Norv Turner remains open to coaching again
Turner, the former Vikings offensive coordinator, has not taken a new coaching position since he surprisingly resigned here last November, after disagreements with head coach Mike Zimmer.
A dozen Vikings takeaways after team wraps up spring practices
You shouldn't rule out Teddy Bridgewater getting cleared to return at some point in 2017 (and Dalvin Cook is really fast).
Head strength coach Brent Salazar leaving Vikings for USTA
Brent Salazar, who was on Mike Zimmer's staff for 16 months, is leaving the Vikings to accept a position with the U.S. Tennis Association.
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.
Vikings' Berger puts retirement on hold
Joe Berger, the oldest and longest-tenured Vikings offensive lineman, was given no deadline to tell the team whether he planned to continue his career. He ultimately decided to return.
Mike Zimmer says the 'best place' for T.J. Clemmings is at guard
The addition of three new members of the offensive line group puts T.J. Clemmings in jeopardy of not making the final roster if he does not show improvement in his third year.
Vikes promote Kelly Kleine, elevating another woman in football administration
Kelly Kleine's new job as Vikings' college scouting coordinator makes her "one of the most preeminent members of the 14 women who work for NFL teams in football operations," according to the Sporting News.
Edmond Robinson leading the charge for Chad Greenway's linebacker job
So far this spring it has been third-year linebacker Edmond Robinson who has gotten most of the work with the first team at Chad Greenway's old position.
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.
Mike Zimmer back with the Vikings
Zimmer, who spent the past two weeks away from the team to rest his troublesome right eye, returned to Minnesota on Sunday and this morning received the green light from doctors to return to work.
Sam Bradford isn't looking over his shoulder, but knows Teddy Bridgewater is there
Sam Bradford, who twice tore his ACL while playing for the St. Louis Rams, reiterated that he feels for Teddy Bridgewater and is "proud" of him for pushing so hard to play again.
'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.
Dalvin Cook signs rookie deal, full Vikings draft class under contract
Cook, whom the Vikings traded up to select with the 41st overall pick in the second round, has been expected to ink a four-year deal worth $5.8 million.
Vikings sign five 2017 draft picks, only Dalvin Cook remains unsigned
The Vikings have signed 10 of 11 draft picks. Running back Dalvin Cook, a second-round selection who was the team's top pick this year has not yet put pen to paper.
Vikings free agency tracker for 2017
Which Vikings free agents are staying? Who is going? And who are the new guys? We will update this blog post throughout the offseason as the Vikings build their roster for 2017.
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' rookies finally signing their NFL contracts
The Vikings, who quickly signed all of their draft picks in 2015 and 2016, have encountered resistance this year about some of the language in their rookie contracts
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.
Rick Spielman provides updates on Teddy Bridgewater, Mike Zimmer
General manager Rick Spielman, as he has done all offseason, declined to share whether the 24-year-old is ahead of schedule in his recovery.
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.
After eighth eye surgery, Zimmer leaving Vikings for a few weeks to recover
Mike Zimmer reluctantly agreed to put his health above his football team as the Vikings this week begin the third and final stage of their voluntary offseason program with the start of organized team activities.
Mike Zimmer, after another surgery, taking time away from Vikings
Coach Mike Zimmer, who last Wednesday had another surgery on his right eye, "will be taking time away from the team to dedicate to recovering from eye surgery and restoring his health," General Manager Rick Spielman said.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer says he had another eye surgery this week
Mike Zimmer had surgery No. 8 on his right eye this week.
Sentence transferred to Minnesota, Michael Floyd can join Vikings next week
After pleading guilty and serving prison time in Arizona for extreme drunken driving, Michael Floyd can complete his house arrest in his home state of Minnesota.
Vikes tout TCO Performance Center as 'best possible environment to succeed'
As Vikings officials toured NFL stadiums a few years back, they made a point to also visit some of the top team facilities, knowing they would soon be building one of those, too.
Vikings sign defensive tackle Will Sutton, waive Toby Johnson
Sutton, Chicago's third-round pick in 2014, was released by the Bears last week after he started 18 games for them over his first three NFL seasons.
A look at how the 2017 Vikings are allocating their cap space on defense
The Vikings spent most of their offseason resources on offense and kept an $18 million quarterback on the roster. Still, the team is spending more on defense than offense.
A look at how the 2017 Vikings are allocating their cap space on offense
Here's our annual two-part look at the Vikings' salary cap spending, starting with the offense.
Pat Elflein looks to be Ohio State's next early-impact NFL lineman
One NCAA powerhouse that has seen a handful of its offensive linemen successfully transition to the next level is Ohio State. The Vikings hope that third-round pick Pat Elflein will be the next one.
'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 move C.J. Ham to fullback
Ham, who played at Augustana in Sioux Falls, S.D., spent most of the 2016 season on the Vikings' practice squad after earning an offseason roster spot last spring when he tried out at the their rookie minicamp.
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.
Michael Floyd on Vikings' radar
According to ESPN, which reported the Vikings' interest in Floyd, the former Cretin-Derham Hall star is serving a 120-day jail sentence for a DUI conviction and can't report to any team outside of Arizona until at least June.
Vikings release Cedric Thompson, make two other roster cuts
The Vikings are left with only five safeties on their 90-man roster. They did not select a player at that position during last weekend's NFL draft.
Which Vikings vets are most affected by Minnesota's 2017 draft class?
Vikings players watched the draft from a different perspective than others. Many were wondering how the team's picks would affect their future with the team.
Vikings exercise option on Barr, but not Bridgewater
If Teddy Bridgewater doesn't play in 2017, he would be under team control for another season. If he does, the Vikings could still lock him in for 2018 despite the decision.
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 do due diligence to grab running back Cook
Despite his pedigree and potential to be a do-it-all weapon in the NFL, Dalvin Cook lasted until the second round due to concerns about his health and character. Vikings GM Rick Spielman put those to rest.
Vikings on the clock: Many picks left to meet team needs
In the ultimate Vikings draft preview, we've done a mock draft that is built to fill every one of the Vikings' biggest needs.
With first-round over, will Vikings trade into better position to fill a need?
Minnesota is not scheduled to pick until midway through the draft's second round but there are some offensive linemen still available who could tempt general manager Rick Spielman to strike a deal.
![Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on the sideline in the second quarter. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - August 28, 2016,](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/3XOYMYXHLFPDUNZAZLEH3YMDX4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
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.
ESPN report: Vikings likely to decline Teddy Bridgewater's 2018 option
With still no guarantee that Teddy Bridgewater will ever be able to return to full health, the Vikings reportedly are not expected to pick up their 2018 team option for the quarterback.
