Staff Directory 6134708

Ben Goessling

Sports reporter | Vikings
Instagram: @@bengoessling

Ben Goessling has covered the Vikings since 2012, first at the Pioneer Press and ESPN before becoming the Minnesota Star Tribune's lead Vikings reporter in 2017. He was named one of the top NFL beat writers by the Pro Football Writers of America in 2024, after honors in the AP Sports Editors and National Headliner Awards contests in 2023.


After graduating from Apple Valley High School, Goessling majored in accounting and journalism at the University of Minnesota. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and two daughters. He coaches high school track and field and cross country, plays electric guitar and enjoys volunteering at Hope Academy in the Phillips neighborhood.
Recent content from Ben Goessling
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah gives updates on the quarterback position and his own future after the first big push of NFL free agency.

Vikings GM: McCarthy starting at QB is 'the outcome we want'

Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah discussed the team's $300 million binge in free agency, his lack of a contract extension and the conversations about signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers at a news conference on Wednesday.
It appears free agency will not lead quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the Vikings.

Analysis: Rodgers-to-Vikings chatter slips into silence, leaves McCarthy as No. 1 QB

Vikings Insider: Aaron Rodgers' relationship with Kevin O'Connell led to the talk, and developments this week appear to have quashed it.
Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is expected to be busy with NFL free agency beginning next week.

Vikings free agency tracker: Who is staying and who is going in 2025

It's been an active NFL free agency for the Vikings, who had $60 million in cap space to spend and 22 unrestricted free agents. Follow what happens here.
The Vikings ran into the 49ers and Jordan Mason (24) in September. Camryn Bynum brings him down.

Vikings trade for back who kept 49ers running in 2024

Minnesota added Jordan Mason, who gained 789 yards as Christian McCaffrey dealt with injuries, and gave up a draft pick and swapped one.
Safety Harrison Smith has decided to return to the Vikings on a new contract.

Vikings strike a deal with safety Smith to return for his 14th season

Smith's plan wasn't a bit certain when the team's season ended suddenly, but a new contract brought him back.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen makes a play for Washington last season. The Vikings will ask for more of that.

Analysis: Vikings' line-of-scrimmage presence just became far more influential

The team went into free agency looking for linemen for the offense and pass rushers for the defense and added both in a few hours Tuesday.
The Vikings' future with J.J. McCarthy, right, at quarterback instead of Sam Darnold is now in focus.

Analysis: Vikings stay the course, letting Darnold leave and pointing toward McCarthy

Sam Darnold landed the biggest payday of his career, getting a $100 million deal from Seattle, while the Vikings ensured they will have a new starting quarterback for the third consecutive season.
Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., left, is staying with the Vikings, though the secondary around him will take on a different look in 2025.

Murphy secures lucrative deal with Vikings on big day for cornerbacks

The Vikings agreed to a new deal with Byron Murphy Jr. that's reportedly worth $66 million over three years, which would make him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL and follow a trend of megadeals for corners on the first day of the free-agent negotiating period.
Clockwise from top left, a history of Vikings quarterbacks since 2015: Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Bradford, Kirk Cousins, J.J. McCarthy, Sam Darnold and C

Analysis: Vikings head into free agency with $60 million to spend and a QB decision to make

The Vikings finally have the financial freedom to be aggressive on the open market as they try to build on a team that won 14 games last season. Their plan seems to point to J.J. McCarthy as their quarterback.
Vikings safety Theo Jackson, left, celebrates a blocked punt against the 49ers with his teammates in September.

Vikings agree to terms with safety Jackson ahead of NFL free agency

Theo Jackson, who played mostly on special teams, was set to become a restricted free agent next week, but uncertain contract situations remain at cornerback and safety for the Vikings.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was one of the surprise stories of the 2024 NFL season, throwing for 35 touchdowns and leading them to a 14-3 record,

Vikings don't use franchise tag on Darnold, continue talks on new contract

A franchise tag for quarterback Sam Darnold would have cost the Vikings $40.24 million for 2025. While they could still agree to a new contract with him, they are facing the prospect of having a new starting QB for the third consecutive year.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is set to become a free agent on March 12.

Vikings reach deadline for making a decision about QB Darnold today

The Vikings have until 3 p.m. to decide whether to use the franchise tag on quarterback Sam Darnold. Here's why that move seems unlikely.
Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah speaks Tuesday during a news conference at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

Thanks to movable piece Darnold, Vikings are at the center of NFL scouting combine chatter

"Every option's afforded to us," General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said. These options: Let the quarterback go to free agency. Keep him as the starter. Trade him.
Zach Zenner, right, performs a sweat test on triathlete Nik Miller at ETS Performance in Rosemount in August. Zenner, a former NFL player, runs the on

After his NFL career ended, Zach Zenner went to work studying sweat

Among the sports agents gathered at the NFL combine this week, Eagan native Zach Zenner has a view of athletic performance that's uniquely salty.
Vikings fans enjoy the final moments of a victory over the Packers in U.S. Bank Stadium in December.

Vikings, U.S. Bank Stadium ranked NFL's best in "Voice of the Fan" survey

It's the first time the Vikings have finished first in the seasonlong survey, which asks fans to rate their experiences attending games.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold and center Garrett Bradbury are among the players who could be on the way out during the offseason.

Who will stay? Who will go? Breaking down Vikings' biggest decisions in offseason full of them

The Vikings are likely to be active in NFL free agency in March with more than $60 million in cap space to spend and 24 players set to become unrestricted or restricted free agents.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores interviewed for head coaching jobs with the Jets, Jaguars and Bears in January. Those teams have all since

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores seems likely to stay with Vikings

Vikings assistants Daronte Jones and Grant Udinski are getting interviews with NFL teams.
Kevin O’Connell became the first coach in Vikings history with multiple 13-win seasons and could be among the leading candidates for NFL Coach of th

Vikings, O'Connell agree to contract extension

Kevin O'Connell, whose contract was set to expire after the 2025 season, is the first coach in Vikings history with multiple 13-win seasons and could be among the leading candidates for NFL Coach of the Year honors.
Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, right, gives a hug to cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. after their 27-9 playoff loss to the Rams on Monday nigh

Analysis: Vikings' feel-good season gives way to offseason uncertainty

Of the 53 players active for the Vikings' playoff game vs. the Rams, 23 will be unrestricted free agents. Some of the team's coaches might have new addresses in 2025, too.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is sacked by the Rams' Ahkello Witherspoon during the second quarter, leading to a fumble and 57-yard return for a tou

Vikings' season of rising expectations plummets to an end with 27-9 playoff loss to Rams

Los Angeles sacked Sam Darnold a record nine times and won its home game away from its fire-ravaged home, leaving the Vikings with nothing to show for their 14-win season.
The Vikings could lean on running back Aaron Jones to find the end zone as they try to rebound from a poor red-zone performance last week.

Can the Vikings take wild-card revenge against the Rams? Ben Goessling's prediction.

Wildfires forced the game to be moved from Los Angeles to Glendale, Ariz., just one of the vagaries that will impact the Vikings' playoff matchup Monday night.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, left, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores say their partnership has made each of them better in their two seaso

NFL playoffs are ultimate test of growing bond between O'Connell, Flores

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores complement each other, compete with each other and challenge each other, forming a bond through shared aggressiveness, frank discussions and influence on their coaching styles.
Under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the Vikings allowed the fifth-fewest points in the NFL this season.

Jets request head coach interviews with Vikings' Flores, McCown

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has his first head coaching interview request since he came to Minnesota for the Jets, who also requested permission to interview quarterbacks coach Josh McCown for their vacant head coaching position
Clockwise from left, Vikings Blake Cashman, Byron Murphy Jr. and Josh Metellus are in line for bonuses.

Vikings players could hit up to $3.65 million in incentives against the Lions

Byron Murphy Jr. and Josh Metellus are both on track to reach six-figure playing time incentives, while Stephon Gilmore and Blake Cashman could hit another $500,000 each.
Vikings fans get fired up before facing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday. The Vikings bought around 1,900 tickets to sell to fans.

Skol sale: Vikings spend nearly $2 million on 1,900 tickets for Sunday's game in Detroit

For Sunday night's pivotal game in Detroit, the Vikings wanted a sizable contingent of their fans at Ford Field badly enough they took an unusual step.
Vikings owners Mark Wilf, left, and Zygi Wilf before the team's game against the Packers on Dec. 29. They are wrapping up their 20th season since buyi

After 20 years under the Wilfs, the Vikings appear as healthy as ever

Two decades of the Wilfs' ownership have marked been by major investments designed to put the Vikings on solid footing. But, sorry, Twins fans, the Wilfs are focused on football and soccer.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) was upended by Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (6) in the second quarter after picking up

Vikings or Lions: Who will win NFC North, No. 1 seed in the playoffs?

There just haven't been many NFL regular-season games with the magnitude of Sunday night's matchup between the Vikings and Lions in Detroit, the final game of a 2024 season where the NFC North has become one of the most competitive divisions in league history.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, right, talks to team owner Mark Wilf before their Dec. 29 home game against the Green Bay Packers.

Vikings owners planning contract talks with O'Connell, Adofo-Mensah after season

Mark Wilf said he's "looking forward to a great future" with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who are both on contracts that expire after the 2025 season.
Receiver Jordan Addison, left, scored an 18-yard touchdown reception, beating Packers safety Javon Bullard in the third quarter to give the Vikings a

Analysis: How one route vs. Packers showed Addison's value to Vikings

Vikings second-year receiver Jordan Addison is proving to be a tough matchup, especially in the past four games, scoring five touchdowns to give him 10 (one rushing) for the season to tie Justin Jefferson for the team lead.
The Vikings intercepted Packers quarterback Jordan Love three times in their last meeting, on Sept. 29. Can they force Green Bay into turnovers again?

Will Vikings win high-stakes home game against Packers? Read Ben Goessling's prediction.

The 13-2 Vikings will be the NFC's No. 1 seed if they win their final two regular season games. First up is a high-stakes matchup against another playoff-bound team: their biggest rival.
Jesse Marquette, senior manager of production operations at U.S. Bank Stadium, operates the video board controls.

Vikings seek a single reaction to their U.S. Bank Stadium gameday show: 'You can't miss this'

The action surrounding the football is the league's most elaborate, ranked as the best overall experience in the NFL. Beyond that, Justin Jefferson says don't overlook the advantage provided by firing up fans.
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson gains yards against the Seahawks after a catch Sunday at Lumen Field in Seattle. Jefferson made 10 catches for

Analysis: Vikings finding ways to free Jefferson in split-safety coverage

In a victory over Seattle on Sunday, Justin Jefferson had all but one of his receptions when the Seahawks kept two safeties deep against him.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love was pressured by the Vikings during a game Sept. 29 at Lambeau Field.

Vikings-Packers game flexed to 3:25 p.m. Sunday

The teams will meet at U.S. Bank Stadium on Fox (Ch. 9). The game originally was set for a noon kickoff.
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) hauls in a 14-yard TD reception as Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) tries to defend in the second quarte

Vikings wash away bad memories, win 27-24 for first victory at Seattle since 2006

A 39-yard TD pass to Justin Jefferson inside the final four minutes lifted the Vikings to a 27-24 victory over Seattle and their 13th win of the season to keep pace with Detroit atop the NFC.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores waits with congratulations for his defense during the Dec. 1 game against the Cardinals.

Playoffs? To that famous question, the Vikings answer, 'Not yet'

The success of 2024 arrived by surprise, and coaches are focused on wringing as much from the opportunity as possible. "Finish what we got to finish" is the message for three more weeks.
Vikings running back Aaron Jones is just 21 carries away from a career high for a season and faces a Seahawks defense ranked 25th in yards per attempt

Can Vikings begin tough closing stretch with rare win in Seattle? Ben Goessling's prediction

After pulling into a tie for the NFC North lead, the Vikings will try to remain in control of their own destiny as they look for their first win in Seattle since 2006.
Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) celebrates with fans after scoring a one-yard touchdown during the third quarter.

Vikings lean on run game for 'grimy' win, join crowd in first place in NFC

The Vikings won their seventh game in a row, beating the reeling Bears 30-12 on Monday night to join the Lions and Eagles at 12-2, the best record in the NFC.
The Bears kept two defenders near Justin Jefferson during most of the first game between the teams on Nov. 24. Will they change their approach Monday

Will the Vikings offense keep rolling vs. the reeling Bears?

Quarterback Sam Darnold and his offense are firing on all cylinders, winning six in a row ahead of a "Monday Night Football" matchup against Caleb Williams and Chicago. Read Ben Goessling's preview and prediction.
Vikings quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy, left, and Sam Darnold practice together during training camp in August before McCarthy sustained a season-ending k

Vikings big question: Re-sign Darnold or stick with McCarthy at quarterback?

Every week, Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling will answer a big question facing the Vikings. This week: With quarterback Sam Darnold playing so well, will the Vikings re-sign him or move on to first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy?
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates with wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) after he scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter Sunday against

Darnold named NFC offensive player of the week

After becoming the first Vikings quarterback in 20 years to throw for five touchdowns in a game, Sam Darnold became the first Vikings player this season to take home NFC offensive player of the week honors.
Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. intercepts a pass Sunday.

Analysis: Murphy making important plays for Vikings … and raising his price tag

Vikings Insider: Byron Murphy Jr. has been one of the league's top cornerbacks in 2024, and he'll be getting paid for it when the season ends.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates with wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) after fellow wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) scored a touchd

Darnold is toast of the town as Vikings rout Cousins' Falcons 42-21

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold passed for a career-best five touchdowns, three to Jordan Addison and two to Justin Jefferson, to beat their former QB Kirk Cousins for Minnesota's sixth win in a row.
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is playing one of his former teams on Sunday. "Everybody knows this one is special to him,” his quarterbacks coach

Kirk Cousins returns to Minnesota the same QB in new stage of his career

In Atlanta, the refrains praising Kirk Cousins' leadership are familiar. But the longevity of his connection with the Falcons is already in doubt as he prepares to play the Vikings.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell with quarterback Kirk Cousins in October of last year. They will be on opposite sidelines on Sunday.

Kirk Cousins vs. the Vikings: Who will win the reunion at U.S. Bank Stadium?

The Vikings face their former quarterback in a potential playoff preview on Sunday as Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons try to get back on track.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, right, with safety Camryn Bynum at practice last week. O’Connell earned his 30th win with the team on Sunday in

Analysis: Kevin O'Connell's Vikings show resilience in racking up more one-score wins

In O'Connell's three seasons as head coach, the Vikings have had a knack for winning close games, which are more prevalent than ever in the NFL.
Vikings running back Aaron Jones scores the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter in a 23-22 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at U.S. Ba

Fans hold their breath, Vikings catch theirs in time for 23-22 win over Cardinals

A pass from Sam Darnold to Aaron Jones with 1:13 left put Minnesota ahead for the first time, and the 10-2 Vikings won their fifth game in a row, beating Arizona on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Running back Aaron Jones had his second 100-yard game of the season last week, and the Vikings could find room to run against a Cardinals defense that

Will Vikings sustain road success at home? Ben Goessling's preview and prediction

After going undefeated on their three-game road trip, the 9-2 Vikings return home to U.S. Bank Stadium to face 6-5 Arizona, a potential first-round playoff opponent.
Bringing in former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones to the practice squad gives the Vikings an early opportunity to get to know him before exploring a

Vikings adding former Giants starting quarterback to their practice squad

Daniel Jones, a former first-round draft pick, was benched and then released by the Giants this month. The Vikings will need an experienced quarterback to pair with J.J. McCarthy in 2025 if Sam Darnold leaves as a free agent.
Like the Vikings, a young Justin Jefferson fan made the trip to Soldier Field for Sunday's game, the team's third road game in a row.

After a successful three weeks of travel: Next stop, U.S. Bank Stadium

The Soldier Field scenario deteriorated suddenly Sunday, but the Vikings survived and stand 6-1 in games away from home.
Vikings tight T.J. Hockenson had seven catches for 114 yards in a win over the Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field.

Vikings blow late fourth-quarter lead but bounce back to beat Bears in OT 30-27

The Vikings led by 11 points with two minutes left but needed overtime to win their fifth game in a row in Chicago and improve to 9-2. Sam Darnold passed for 330 yards and two TDs.
The pass rush package of Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores provides a unique challenge for young quarterbacks like Chicago Bears rookie Caleb

Vikings-Bears preview: What does Flores have in store for rookie QB?

The Vikings face Chicago rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick, for the first time Sunday. No young quarterback has solved Brian Flores' defense this season.
Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans, a fourth-round pick in 2022, started 15 games in 2023, but lost his starting job at the end of last season.

Vikings cut Evans, parting with another piece of 2022 draft class

The Vikings let go of one of the few remaining players from their 2022 NFL draft class on Saturday morning, cutting cornerback Akayleb Evans after his role on defense had dissolved. He could return to the practice squad.
Vikings tight end Josh Oliver, right, with running back Cam Akers during the team's win over Tennessee on Nov. 17.

Vikings' Oliver out for Sunday's game against Bears

Vikings tight end Josh Oliver has not practiced all week after sustaining an ankle injury against the Titans last Sunday. His absence could mean more playing time for T.J. Hockenson.
Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson during the team's win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Vikings beat all four AFC South teams on their schedu

Vikings big question: Where do they stand in the NFC playoff race?

In this weekly video feature, Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling looks at a pressing issue for the Vikings heading into their next game. After finishing 5-0 against AFC teams, the Vikings turn their attention to conference foes and the division standings.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold completed 62.5% of his passes against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, finishing without an interception for only the t

Analysis: Darnold a difference maker, in a good way, for Vikings again

The Vikings' 23-13 victory over the Titans functioned as a get-right game for quarterback Sam Darnold, whose recent mistakes had taken over the conversation around the team.
Dalton Risner (66) — who started at a new position, right guard, on Sunday — holds the line at Nissan Stadium.

Guard Risner makes a move to the right, replaces Ingram on offensive line

The Vikings moved a guard who's usually on the left to the other side. Sure, he had some practice, but he said he's good for more because "everything's flipped."
Mike Brown (44) of the Titans is called for a penalty after a hit on Jordan Addison on fourth down in the the second quarter, leading to a Vikings tou

Vikings defense too much for Titans in 23-13 win

The Vikings are 8-2 after their defense proved too much for Titans QB Will Levis in a 23-13 victory in which Sam Darnold got back on track and Tennessee was penalized 13 times.
Titans quarterback Will Levis has been sacked on 12.94% of his dropbacks, including seven times last week against the Chargers.

Vikings-Titans prediction: Minnesota defense takes aim at another young QB

Young quarterbacks have found it difficult to face the Vikings defense, and it's Will Levis' turn to confront this challenge as the 7-2 Vikings visit 2-7 Tennessee on Sunday.
Vikings running back Aaron Jones carries no injury designation into Sunday's game at Tennessee after being briefly knocked out of the win over Jackson

Vikings head into Titans game with full roster intact

The Titans, struggling on both sides of the ball, ruled out right tackle Leroy Watson and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed for Sunday's game.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) reacts after a long reception against the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter at U.S. Bank S

Vikings' big question: How do they combat defenses trying to neutralize Jefferson?

In this weekly video feature, the Minnesota Star Tribune's Ben Goessling breaks down the coverage Justin Jefferson faced in the Vikings' win over the Jaguars.
Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) intercepts a pass intended for Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) in the second quarter of Minnesota

Analysis: Patience, precision on Vikings' to-do list for QB Darnold

The Vikings offense has a pair of objectives this week: Refine the ways they punish teams for covering Justin Jefferson the way the Jaguars did, and refresh the way Sam Darnold plays when he's throwing the ball.
Vikings safety Camryn Bynum (24) celebrates after his fourth-quarter interception with an homage to Olympic break dancer Raygun.

Mistake-prone Vikings escape Jacksonville with 12-7 win over Jaguars

Kevin O'Connell reiterated his confidence in QB Sam Darnold after a three-interception, zero-TD performance as new kicker Parker Romo's four field goals and stout defense lifted the Vikings to 7-2.
Vikings running back Aaron Jones collides with with Jaguars safety Andre Cisco, picking up a first down late in the fourth quarter on Sunday.

Vikings' Jones comes and goes because of big hit, insists he'll play next game

A helmet in the ribs led to time in the medical tent and X-rays before the running back returned. "I'm good," he said of playing at Tennessee.
Jaguars starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence will miss Sunday's game against the Vikings because of an injury to his left non-throwing shoulder.

Vikings-Jaguars inactives: Cashman in, Lawrence out

The Vikings defense will be at full strength with linebacker Blake Cashman back as Jacksonville turns to backup quarterback Mac Jones with starter Trevor Lawrence out with a shoulder injury.
Vikings assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski, center, keeps a close eye on rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, left, during training camp. Udinski

Meet the most interesting man on the Vikings' coaching staff

Grant Udinski is the Vikings' assistant offensive coordinator/assistant quarterbacks coach, a mentor to J.J. McCarthy, a protégé of Kevin O'Connell and the most likely on staff to go off the grid in the mountains somewhere.
Vikings running backs Cam Akers (27) and Aaron Jones could have a field day against the Jaguars, who are ranked 30th in the NFL in points allowed.

Vikings-Jaguars prediction: Which team's injuries will have biggest impact?

The Vikings are hitting the road with a new kicker and long snapper, but Jacksonville may be without their starting quarterback and its defense is struggling to stop the run.
Jihad Ward had three of the Vikings' 13 pressures on Colts quarterback Joe Flacco and one of their three sacks Sunday night.

Analysis: Vikings pass rush returns to disruptive form in win over Colts

Joe Flacco, an immobile 39-year-old quarterback, proved to be the perfect mark for a defense looking to get right. Now the Vikings face another stretch of games against young QBs who could struggle against Brian Flores' scheme.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates a touchdown pass to Jalen Nailor in the third quarter against the Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium Sunday.

Darnold, Vikings right the ship in second half to beat Colts 21-13

The Vikings ended a two-game losing streak on Sunday night and provided a few callbacks of their early-season success with a dominant defense and three Sam Darnold TDs in the second half to overcome three turnovers.
Vikings offensive lineman Dalton Risner has been sidelined since training camp with a back injury. He was activated Saturday.

Vikings activate guard Risner for Sunday night's game against the Colts

Dalton Risner, who has been out since training camp with a back injury, could play on the right or left side. The Vikings haven't announced who will start at left tackle for injured Christian Darrisaw.
T.J. Hockenson (87) of the Minnesota Vikings during practice at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility in Eagan, Minn., on Wednesday, October 30, 202

Will the Vikings end their two-game losing streak?

Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune breaks down the matchups to watch and predicts who will win when the Vikings take on the Colts on Sunday night at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Vikings ruled out starting inside linebacker Blake Cashman on Friday with the turf toe injury that’s kept him from practicing all week.

Vikings' Cashman out again; plan at left tackle still under wraps

Vikings starting linebacker Blake Cashman will miss his third game in a row with a turf toe injury while coach Kevin O'Connell would not say whether new left tackle Cam Robinson will start Sunday night vs. the Colts.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores said he isn't hitting the panic button after the team gave up 59 points in its past two games.

Vikings big question: Can the defense get back on track against the Colts?

In this video feature, Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling will look at a pressing issue for the Vikings heading into their next game Sunday night at home against Indianapolis.
Cam Robinson takes the field for the Jaguars this season before a game against Cleveland.

Vikings trade for Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson

With Christian Darrisaw out for the season, the Vikings made a deal for a veteran starter whose contract is expiring.
Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah once again is “trying to solve this riddle we have, trying to build the best team with the constraints [w

Analysis: Will Vikings be buyers at the trade deadline? 2022 offers a hint.

Two losses in five days, and Christian Darrisaw's season-ending knee injury, triggered fatalist impulses in the fan base. How aggressive will the Vikings be as the Nov. 5 deadline approaches?
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford celebrates a touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp in the second quarter at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Thursday.

Rams take from Lions playbook to hand Vikings another loss

The Vikings lost for the second time in five days, falling 30-20 to drop to 5-2 on the season, as Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes Thursday night.