Recent content from Andrew Krammer
Podcast: Vikings-Texans meet in battle of undefeated teams and former teammates
In this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game against Houston and two former Vikings leaders, Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter, coming back to town.
How an Osborn catch last year helped set up Jefferson's 97-yard TD
Vikings coaches entered Sunday's win against the 49ers feeling confident in a vertical passing concept they would revisit at their own 3-yard line.
Jefferson's injury outlook is promising for Vikings; Addison's is less so
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that receiver Justin Jefferson was "feeling pretty good" after leaving Sunday's game with a quad contusion from a collision with the 49ers' Fred Warner.
Vikings defense wins '12-round title fight' against potent 49ers offense
The Vikings' final tally of disruption — eight tackles for losses, six pass deflections (one interception) and six sacks — spelled a sputtering afternoon for Brock Purdy and the 49ers.
Recap: Vikings beat 49ers 23-17; Jefferson injured
The Vikings improve to 2-0, stunning the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers for the second year in a row, but star receiver Justin Jefferson left the game with a quad injury.
Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson 'day to day' after exiting 49ers win with quad injury
Star receiver Justin Jefferson was "not overly concerned" about the thigh bruise that caused him to limp off the field in the third quarter after four catches for 133 yards vs. the 49ers.
Podcast: Vikings make early statement by beating reigning NFC champion 49ers
In this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss what they saw and heard from U.S. Bank Stadium during and after Sunday's win.
Podcast: A what-if about Kirk Cousins and other Vikings mailbag questions
In this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your questions about Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold, speedy Vikings players and more.
Can the 49ers cover Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson man to man? He hopes they try
"We feel like we're going to get man coverage throughout the game," Jefferson said Thursday. "That's something that I feed off of."
Vikings-49ers injury report: Addison, McCaffrey out
Both the Vikings and the 49ers will be without a major offensive weapon on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Vikings QB Sam Darnold brought lessons from San Francisco to Minnesota
Quarterback Sam Darnold, who had a strong Vikings debut Sunday in New York, faces a tougher challenge this week against a 49ers opponent he knows well.
Film review: How the Vikings protected Sam Darnold in their opening win over the Giants
The dominance of tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill allowed the Vikings to focus on the Giants' 340-pound menace, Dexter Lawrence, during Sunday's win. But it didn't always go well.
Podcast: How real is the Vikings' success? They're about to find out vs. the 49ers
On this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's matchup against NFC champion San Francisco from Sam Darnold's start to the defense's resurgence.
Vikings give Harrison Phillips a two-year contract extension
The 28-year-old defensive tackle had two seasons, worth up to $19 million, tacked on to his existing three-year contract.
The 'Hennepin Leap'? Jones making himself at home in Vikings backfield
Producing 109 yards on 16 touches in Sunday's win, the running back who left the Packers had as good a Vikings debut as coaches and teammates could have anticipated.
Recap: How the Vikings rolled over Giants in 28-6 season-opening win
New Vikings Sam Darnold, Aaron Jones and Andrew Van Ginkel led the way and the defense flustered QB Daniel Jones as the Vikings rolled to a Week 1 victory.
How Vikings edge rusher Van Ginkel read Giants QB for critical pick six
Andrew Van Ginkel, who signed a two-year, $20 million free-agent deal in March, has scored four NFL touchdowns after an impressive play Sunday that "iced the game."
Vikings receiver Addison nursing another ankle injury after exiting victory over Giants
Jordan Addison, who had three catches for 35 yards, left in the third quarter after being tackled low. Coach Kevin O'Connell said it's not the same ankle Addison injured previously.
Podcast: Vikings' defensive dominance, efficient offense pace 1-0 start
On this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan share what they saw and heard at MetLife Stadium during the Vikings' 28-6 win.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy, unable to play, is attacking his reading list
Mental growth is J.J. McCarthy's goal after his rookie season ended in August with a meniscus tear that requires surgery and a six-to-eight-month recovery.
Podcast: Mark Craig talks about his Mike Zimmer interview, plus a Vikings mailbag
On this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, the Star Tribune's Mark Craig discusses his interview with Mike Zimmer and your questions about this Vikings season get answered.
Vikings rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner has been molded for this moment
Dallas Turner, selected 17th overall by the Vikings in the first round, has a history of impressive athletic feats, hard hits and seamless steps to the next level.
Undrafted rookies Dwight McGlothern and Taki Taimani 'beat the odds' to make Vikings roster
Neither cornerback Dwight McGlothern or defensive tackle Taki Taimani were selected in the NFL draft, but they both impressed Vikings evaluators this summer to rise from obscurity.
What's the Vikings' plan for injured rookie QB J.J. McCarthy this season?
Coach Kevin O'Connell detailed how he wants to use J.J. McCarthy's time this season while the rookie rehabs from a season-ending knee injury.
Vikings receiver Addison in 'a good spot' to play in opener at Giants
The Vikings also named 2024 team captains, have an eager new kick returner and are hoping running back Aaron Jones can make everyone better.
Podcast: Previewing the Vikings' opener at the Giants, from Sam Darnold to the defense
On this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, the Minnesota Star Tribune's Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss how the Vikings match up with the Giants, Sam Darnold's readiness, and expectations for a restocked defense.
New Vikings QB Sam Darnold is hoping this is his redemption story
The Vikings bet that quarterback Sam Darnold, a former No. 3 overall draft pick on his fourth team, can turn around his career given the right culture, coaching and surrounding talent.
Vikings look for urgency in guard Ed Ingram
The third-year right guard played the most this preseason among the team's starters on offense.
Podcast: GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah cuts losses by moving on from top picks in 2022 draft class
On this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the team's roster cuts and Adofo-Mensah's comments about his first draft in Minnesota.
Vikings re-sign 17 players to practice squad, including two running backs
Safety Lewis Cine and running back Kene Nwangwu, cut by the Vikings on Tuesday, found new homes.
Who made the cut? Here's the Vikings' first 53-man roster.
The Vikings waived or released 20 players on Tuesday, including first-round safety Lewis Cine and running back Kene Nwangwu, and placed another four on injured lists.
Recap: Vikings cut Nwangwu, Cine to set initial 53-man roster
It is roster cutdown day in the NFL, and the Vikings cut their rosters to 53 players, letting go of All-Pro kick returner Kene Nwangwu and 2022 first-round pick Lewis Cine. Check back here for updates on what the Vikings did.
Podcast: 53-man roster projections and predictions for the Vikings season
On Monday's Access Vikings podcast, which was recorded live on location at the Minnesota State Fair, the crew tried to sort out who is staying and going ahead of Tuesday's roster cuts. And just how good could Sam Darnold be this season?
Who makes the final cut? Our final Vikings 53-man roster projection
The Vikings roster must get down to 53 by Tuesday, and our Vikings beat writers offer their opinions as to who makes it and who doesn't.
Vikings' Justin Jefferson 'feeling confident' about preventing another hamstring strain
Star receiver Justin Jefferson has been under the Vikings' microscope after suffering from the NFL's No. 1 cause of missed games last season.
Vikings QB Jaren Hall will start preseason finale against the Eagles
Quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens are not expected to play in Philadelphia as the Vikings plan to hold out most of their starters.
Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu enjoying healthy progress, trying to show he's more than a returner
Kene Nwangwu's three touchdowns for the Vikings have come on kick returns, but the dynamic speedster is flashing his growth as a running back this preseason.
Vikings roster projection: Who's in, who's out after win in Cleveland
The official deadline for all teams to pick 53-man rosters is 3 p.m. on Aug. 27, and the clock is ticking in position battles at receiver, defensive line and defensive back.
Vikings agree to terms with former All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore
Stephon Gilmore, 33, is likely to jump into the starting lineup after taking a free-agent visit to the Vikings facility last week.
Podcast: J.J. McCarthy's injury and observations from Vikings-Browns joint practices
The Star Tribune's Mark Craig joins the Access Vikings podcast from Cleveland, where the Vikings and Browns squared off for two days after J.J. McCarthy's knee surgery.
What's the Vikings depth chart after J.J. McCarthy's injury?
The Vikings have three healthy quarterbacks on the roster and other positions thinned by injuries with less than a month before the Sept. 8 season opener at the New York Giants.
Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore visits Vikings, leaves without a deal
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore got a "sneak preview" of Vikings headquarters, coach Kevin O'Connell said, but did not agree to terms on a contract.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy sidelined by right knee soreness, coach Kevin O'Connell says
Rookie J.J. McCarthy played six drives in Saturday's preseason win, but he emerged with a sore right knee that kept him out of practice Monday.
Vikings have speedy Jalen Nailor on track for the No. 3 receiver job
The Vikings' Jalen Nailor, a sixth-round pick in 2022, is starting to realize his potential this summer while competing for an open role in the receiving corps.
Vikings' 53-man roster projection: Who's in, who's out after first preseason game?
Aug. 27 is the deadline for the Vikings to select an initial roster for the 2024 regular season.
Vikings preseason opener vs. Raiders solidifies need for cornerback depth
With starting cornerback Shaq Griffin out and Byron Murphy Jr. getting only one drive, Akayleb Evans, Jay Ward and Fabian Moreau took plenty of snaps.
Five things to watch in Vikings' preseason opener
Quarterbacks Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy are set to make their Vikings debuts on Saturday — in that order. Here are the story lines to keep an eye on during the game against the Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Vikings will start Darnold at QB in preseason opener
Head coach Kevin O'Connell said Sam Darnold is the Vikings' starting quarterback vs. the Raiders and rookie J.J. McCarthy will have a "significant" amount of playing time.
Dallas Turner, the Vikings' other top pick, is ready to test his progress in the preseason
Pass rusher Dallas Turner, the first-round pick out of Alabama, said he thinks preseason games will be easier than practices against offensive tackles Brian O'Neill and Christian Darrisaw.
Podcast: Observations from Vikings training camp and plans for the preseason
In the latest episode of the Access Vikings podcast, the Star Tribune's Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the Vikings' plans for Saturday's preseason opener and what they've seen through three weeks of training camp.
Jefferson, Darrisaw are notable absences at Vikings practice
Justin Jefferson missed practice due to a personal matter, a team spokesperson said, on a day when things got heated at the end.
Vikings owner: No contract talks yet with O'Connell, Adofo-Mensah
Speaking to local reporters on Tuesday, Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf said there's no "litmus test" for coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in their third year running the team together.
First Vikings depth chart: Where is rookie QB J.J. McCarthy?
Before the Vikings open the preseason on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium, the team released its first depth chart of the 2024 season. The starting quarterback should not be a surprise.
Podcast: A somber start to training camp, and a test ahead for Vikings
On the Access Vikings podcast, beat writer Ben Goessling and regular contributor Michael Rand broke down Monday's news conference featuring Kevin O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson killed in car accident at 24
Khyree Jackson, who once quit football to work at a Chipotle and a grocery store before becoming a fourth-round draft pick, died in a car accident in his native Maryland with two high school teammates.
How Cashman found his way home to the Vikings
Linebacker Blake Cashman, the former Eden Prairie and Gophers standout, has returned to Minnesota, where he used to root for the Vikings as kid. Now he'll be on the field in their uniform.
Viking playing the long game with McCarthy
On the Access Vikings podcast, the Star Tribune's Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss J.J. McCarthy's spring and the Vikings' plan for the rookie.
Needing No. 3 receiver, Vikings look for next step from Nailor
Jalen Nailor, the Vikings' 2022 sixth-round pick, caught the ball early and often during Wednesday's practice while the team's starting receivers headed to vacation.
Breaking down Jefferson's new contract, comments on leadership
On the latest Access Vikings podcast, the Star Tribune's Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand recap the Vikings' three-day minicamp and discuss what they saw from the offense, the defense and Justin Jefferson.
Vikings' Jones excited to experience Justin Jefferson effect
New Vikings running back Aaron Jones told receiver Justin Jefferson this week, "You're going to make my job easier." The feeling is mutual.
Vikings' Risner ready to compete to win back starting job
Despite starting 11 games last season for the Vikings, left guard Dalton Risner didn't attract many offers in free agency. So he returned to Minnesota as a backup.
Access Vikings podcast: Jefferson's new contract and new challenge
The Star Tribune's Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss Justin Jefferson's $140 million contract extension and the Vikings' long-term outlook with Jefferson and rookie J.J. McCarthy.
Five things to watch at this week's Vikings minicamp
The mandatory minicamp that begins Tuesday will be the closest the Vikings will look to their 2024 form to date, giving everyone from head coach Kevin O'Connell to a group of local reporters plenty to observe on the team's practice fields in Eagan.
Access Vikings podcast: Observations from OTAs, Justin Jefferson's contract and more
The Star Tribune's Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss what they're seeing and hearing from Vikings practice at TCO Performance Center in Eagan.
New cornerback calls Vikings' plans and his health 'a perfect fit'
Shaq Griffin, who brings man-to-man coverage skills to a team aiming to play more of that, is feeling recovered from back surgery that he said held him back last season.
Vikings' Pace, back in No. 0, hoping to take a 'bigger step' in Year 2
Ivan Pace Jr., the Vikings' second-year linebacker, is hoping for a big encore to his breakthrough rookie season. He started by getting his old college number back.
Vikings' Brandel has 'earned this opportunity' to be new starter at left guard
Blake Brandel, a 2020 sixth-round pick, was promoted to replace left guard Dalton Risner this offseason after spending four years as a reserve.
'I like the action.' Smith denies he's on retirement tour with Vikings
"That's not really my style," Vikings safety Harrison Smith said as he started a record-tying 13th season in the team's defensive backfield.
Vikings QB Darnold 'happy to help' mentor McCarthy
Sam Darnold, a former No. 3 overall pick, was the starting quarterback at Vikings practice on Tuesday, focused on becoming a more consistent player and helping new franchise quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick.
Vikings rookie first-rounder Turner finding his bearings
At the opening of a three-day rookie minicamp Friday, edge rusher Dallas Turner was taking comfort in the familiar, and Apple Valley's Spencer Rolland was happy to be home.
Podcast: Vikings mailbag on QB rankings, 2025 resources, McCarthy and more
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your questions in this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.
Mailbag: Where did J.J. McCarthy rank on Vikings QB draft list?
GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said he got "a little bit more aggressive" than intended to draft McCarthy, the fifth quarterback selected. But the Vikings eyed a trade up to No. 3, which should provide a hint in answering the question.
![Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) in action during the first quarter, Sunday, October 17, 2021 in Charlotte, NC. ] ELIZABETH FLORES •](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/A46SACSIKVSC3PM7QCLRJQZUP4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Vikings pick up fifth-year option for left tackle Darrisaw
Christian Darrisaw, one of the NFL's best young blockers, is now under contract through 2025 and will get to protect the Vikings new quarterback.
Podcast: How will Vikings proceed with McCarthy and Darnold?
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' seven draft selections, led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy. When should fans expect to see McCarthy on the field?
Vikings' sixth-round tackle has high standard for security
Walter Rouse, a Vikings sixth-round pick out of Oklahoma and Stanford, was in the same 2019 high school graduating class as Sasha Obama, the daughter of former President Barack Obama.
