Staff Directory 6370584

Mark Craig

Sports reporter | Vikings/NFL
Phone: 612-673-7011

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).


A native of Northeast Ohio, Craig covered the Cleveland Browns from 1991 until they left for Baltimore in 1995. When they returned as an expansion team in 1999, Craig left to cover Gophers football for the Star Tribune. He co-authored two books on the Browns and is the author of the Vikings book "100 Things Vikings Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die."
Recent content from Mark Craig
Will quarterback Sam Darnold be with the Minnesota Vikings next season?

Analysis: Franchise tag for Darnold would add another layer to unpredictable Vikings season

The Vikings have a problem to solve about quarterback Sam Darnold's future, but it's a problem that seems tailor-made for the one-year franchise tag.
Vikings players have had a lot to celebrate this season. Which players and moments should be celebrated more?

Most underrated Viking in 2024? Most underrated moment? Tell us what you think.

The Minnesota Star Tribune wants to pick the brains of Vikings fans about their unsung Vikings players and unheralded plays of their surprising 13-2 season.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold scrambles out of the pocket in the fourth quarter Sunday against the Seahawks.

Five extra points: Five snaps tell the Darnold story, and fourth down reveals something about O'Connell

Also spicing up matters in Sunday's win in Seattle: Byron Murphy's flex, Will Reichard's "Stone Cold Killer" persona and Jonathan Greenard's tackle-for-loss timing.
The Vikings have traded for running back Cam Akers twice in two years. Akers also played for Kevin O'Connell with the Rams.

Analysis: Why Vikings' 12-2 record means more to Akers

Back from two torn Achilles tendons by age 25, Vikings running back Cam Akers has a key role as Aaron Jones' backup on a team that's playoff-bound.
Against Seattle, the Packers defense had seven sacks and two takeaways, including an interception by linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56).

NFC North picks: Will Packers keep rolling? Can Lions stay healthy?

The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds depth in Detroit, a bright spot in Chicago and lots of points in Green Bay.
Vikings defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (99) is taken down near the goal line as Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) tries to score in the third quart

Analysis: Why an unheralded Vikings defensive lineman earned a game ball vs. the Bears

Vikings defensive lineman Jerry Tillery had nothing on his stat sheet beyond a single assisted tackle against the Bears on Monday night. But his coach and teammates gave him credit for so much more.
Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) celebrates a turnover on downs in the first quarter against the Bears. The Vikings stopped Chicago twice on fourth-a

Five extra points: Stopping the run, faking the run and just running all work for Vikings

Two less positive matters require addressing: Kevin O'Connell, just kick that field goal. Cam Robinson, thank goodness you're here, but be careful before the snap, please.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has posted four straight passer ratings of 107 or higher, giving him a team-record 11 this season.

Analysis: Vikings' Sam Darnold for NFL MVP?! Don't laugh.

One of 50 voters tasked with choosing the NFL's Most Valuable Player processes Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold's chances at winning the award.
Quarterback Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions leads the NFL in scoring, averaging 32.1 points per game.

NFC North Week 15 picks: Pressure is on Lions to beat Bills

The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds pressure in Detroit, surprising takeaways in Chicago and points of turnovers in Green Bay.
Vikings linebacker Jamin Davis, right, celebrates after sacking Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins in the second quarter Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Jamin Davis needs only nine snaps to remind us of his first-round pedigree

Recently signed following the injury to Ivan Pace Jr., former first round pick Davis is resurrecting his career and making the most of his time with the Vikings.
Vikings players congratulate linebacker Brian Asamoah II (6) after he forced a fumble on a kickoff return in the fourth quarter Sunday against the Fal

Five extra points: 'Special' Darnold play, Vikings' bargain, Falcons' mistakes pave way for win

How quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins handled pressure - and how the Falcons handled the ball - were turning points in the Vikings' 42-21 victory.
This week running back Aaron Jones joined the ranks of 30-something players who have helped the Vikings reach 10-2.

Analysis: As the NFL's second-oldest team, the Vikings seem to think 30 is just a number

Age has not kept the 10-2 Vikings from shocking the league. If anything, it's helped.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff, left, beat Jordan Love and the Packers 24-14 on Nov. 3. Who will win the rematch Thursday night in Detroit?

NFC North picks: Will Lions or Packers prevail Thursday night? Will Cousins beat Vikings on Sunday?

It's a newsworthy week in the NFC North. The 11-1 Lions host the 9-3 Packers on Thursday night while the Vikings welcome back Kirk Cousins on Sunday and the Bears hand the reins to interim head coach Thomas Brown.
Parker Romo of the Vikings boots a field goal during Sunday's victory over the Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium.

NFL Insider: Arizona coach finds out playing for field goals isn't good enough against Vikings

Jonathan Gannon decided against a decisive touchdown, and the Vikings rolled down the field to win Sunday's game.
CARLOS GONZALEZ � cgonzalez@startribune.com March 6, 2008 � Minneapolis, MN - Bill Carlson Memorial Service at the State Theater � Former Minnes

Former Vikings Jim Marshall and Chuck Foreman fall short again in Hall of Fame bids

Ralph Hay, Mike Holmgren, Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer make the cut in contributor, coach and seniors categories.
Vikings fans celebrate a touchdown by tight end Johnny Mundt in the third quarter against Arizona on Sunday.

Five extra points: An efficient RB's impact, the coach's kicker effect, and when Mundt is at his best

Cam Akers touched the ball on four plays, but he saved the QB once and the game another time. Kevin O'Connell benefited again from a missed field goal. And it turns out Johnny Mundt is especially successful when his defender falls down.
Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard tackled Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray during the fourth quarter Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Analysis: Jonathan Greenard calls to mind image of Johnny Randle chasing that chicken

Of course you remember that old Nike commercial. Greenard promised Sunday to check it out after he was told he had reprised a familiar role against the Cardinals.
Vikings wide receivers Jordan Addison, left, and Justin Jefferson celebrate Addison's touchdown against the Colts on Nov. 3. “Justin impacts all our

Being Robin to Jefferson's Batman has its perks for Vikings receivers

The 9-2 Vikings have provided emphatic evidence that their other offensive options can pummel a defense while star receiver Justin Jefferson is statistically handcuffed.
Will quarterback Jared Goff lead the Detroit Lions to their first Thanksgiving win since 2016?

NFC North picks: Division QBs on display in Thanksgiving games

The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and focuses on quarterbacks Jared Goff, Caleb Williams and Jordan Love, who all play on Thursday this week.
Vikings kicker Parker Romo kicks the game-winning field goal in overtime at Soldier Field on Sunday, but that was not the kicking matter that led to t

Analysis: 'Watermelon' ball gives Vikings coordinator a teaching tool to put the boring back in NFL kickoffzzz

Matt Daniels took questions about the team's kicking failures that turned a lead into a near-catastrophe Sunday against the Bears.
Jalen Nailor was among the Vikings' offensive players to benefit from the Bears' attention to Justin Jefferson.

Five extra points: Red-zone results, special teams mishaps and thank-you notes for Jefferson

In the Vikings' 30-27 win at Soldier Field, Sam Darnold excelled in the red zone, the special teams have some explaining to do, and Justin Jefferson made a big impact for his teammates.
Running back David Montgomery (5) and the Lions offense have done a lot of celebrating in the end zone this season with Detroit averaging 33.6 points

NFC North picks: Offenses are trending upward

The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds lots and lots of points in Detroit, improvement in Chicago and smart halftime decisions in Green Bay.
Despite the steady diet of two-high safety looks and double coverages, Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson ranks second in the NFL in yards receiving wi

Justin Jefferson explains how he would cover Justin Jefferson

As he prepares to face NFC North rival Chicago on Sunday, the Vikings' star wide receiver admits he would use the same defensive strategy opponents are using against him this season.
Interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, left, and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, right, looked pretty good in Chicago's loss to Green Bay last

Analysis: Williams, Bears might not be who Vikings fans think they are

Heading into Sunday's game against the Vikings, the Bears have lost four in a row with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and a shuffled offensive staff. But looks can be deceiving.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has a 67.9 completion percentage this season, after never being higher than 61.9 before. His 19 touchdowns already hav

Magician? Whisperer? Good coach? O'Connell coaxing more from Darnold than anyone who tried before

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is completing more passes more often for more touchdowns than he ever has. "What we're trying to get from Sam is to play the best football of his career," coach Kevin O'Connell said.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has words with a game official Sunday at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

8-2! Surprised? You might be, but O'Connell insists he isn't.

The Vikings are among five NFL teams that already have surpassed their victory total of 2023. Coach Kevin O'Connell says he expected it.
Will Reichard of the Vikings is part of a group of NFL kickers who are helping to set new accuracy records from 50 yards and longer.

Analysis: The NFL's first 70-yard field goal is coming. Here's why.

Never has the NFL had this many big-legged candidates lined up to challenge a once unthinkable distance. Through Week 11 this season, kickers are making 71.9% of their attempts from 50-plus yards and are on pace to shatter the record for attempts and makes from long distance.
Jared Allen savors a moment in a November 2013 game against the Packers.

Former Vikings diverge: Allen makes Hall of Fame's final 25 for Class of '25, Williams doesn't

It's Jared Allen's fifth time in his five years of eligibility, and he's expected to make the cut to 15 again.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was mostly on target with his throwns and had smart incompletions throughout Sunday's win over the Titans.

Five extra points: 'Bad Sam' Darnold, Titans run game kept in check while officials keep busy

The Vikings quarterback was more good than bad, Tennessee QB Will Levis came up big but not enough and flags were flying frequently in Nashville.
Vikings kicker Parker Romo at practice on Friday in Eagan. He re-signed with the team after Will Reichard went on injured reserve.

How Vikings' Romo went from working at a golf course to kicking in the NFL

Like any kicker trying to make it in the NFL, Parker Romo was focused on the next kick, even if he was working at an Arkansas golf club and practicing three times a week at a local high school.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron this week, saying it was a “well-thought-out” decision.

NFC North picks: Will Bears' changes change their fortunes vs. Packers?

The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds stout run defense in Detroit, impatience in Chicago and a notable winning streak in Green Bay.
Vikings linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill, left, celebrates with defensive tackle Harrison Phillips after Phillips recovered a fumble Sunday in Jacksonvill

On the NFL: Here are the Vikings midseason awards

Thanks to some fortunate victories, a pretty good defense and Aaron Jones, the Sam Darnold Era has started off well.
Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard tackles Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. for a 3-yard loss on first down in the fourth quarter Sunday.

Five extra points: Defense helps Vikings leave Jacksonville as less boneheaded team

The Vikings offense, on the other hand, didn't use tight end T.J. Hockenson enough and misused running back Aaron Jones in an anemic performance against the Jaguars.
Vikings running back Aaron Jones is playing 64% of the offensive snaps, which would be a career high if he sustains that pace. 
He's also on pace for

Analysis: 'Running backs matter' as NFL sees rushing numbers rise

NFL running backs — and, to be fair, running quarterbacks and jet-sweeping receivers — have mattered more through nine games than any point since 1990. The Vikings' Aaron Jones, for one, welcomes it.
Linebacker T.J. Edwards, right, and the Bears gave up 213 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries against the Cardinals last Sunday.

NFC North Week 10 picks: Defenses in the spotlight, for good and bad reasons

The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds the hidden strengths of the Lions defense, the weakness of the Bears defense and a Packers team happy to be off this week.
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates after getting a first down against the Colts.

Vikings' Jefferson shows he has all the answers by handling this question: How'd he get so open!?

Somehow Justin Jefferson, even though he's the league's leading receiver, gets way into the clear against defenses that should know better. Some specifics from Sunday provide an overall explanation.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold rolls out as Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore pursues in the fourth quarter Sunday night. Darnold's final th

Analysis: In Darnold's big year for Vikings, resist any urges to yelp, 'Same old Sam!'

Sam Darnold still makes mistakes, but the Vikings quarterback also is doing what coach Kevin O'Connell wants him to do in airing it out.
The Colts' Grover Stewart celebrates after Vikings kicker Will Reichard, left, misses a 53-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter on Sunday. It

Five extra points: Reichard's injury, interior offensive line raise concerns during Vikings win

Vikings rookie kicker Will Reichard, who missed his first two kicks of the season, needs an MRI for answers about a quad injury. The team's interior offensive line, meanwhile, had no answers for the Colts' pass rush.
Aaron Jones' fourth-quarter catch against the Rams on Oct. 24 was his fifth explosive catch of 16-plus yards for the Vikings. He has 22 catches for 22

Analysis: Vikings' Jones wants you to call his position 'athlete'

Running back? No. Wide receiver? No. Aaron Jones' skills eschew traditional labels and the mismatches he can create put a smile on his face.
Jahmyr Gibbs joins forces with David Montgomery on the Lions to form the best running back duo in the NFL.

NFC North picks: Packers, Lions in showdown while Vikings try to end skid

The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds a dynamic duo in Detroit, a red-zone revelation in Chicago and a potent offense in Green Bay.
Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson returns to action Sunday night 10 months after suffering a torn ACL.

Vikings need Hockenson to do same old things in long-awaited return

Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will make his season debut Sunday against the Colts nine months after having knee surgery. He says QB Sam Darnold is "going to like having me out there, and we're going to have some fun together."
New Vikings left tackle Cam Robinson (74) practiced with center Garrett Bradbury and the rest of the team for the first time on Thursday.

New left tackle practices with Vikings for first time. Will he play Sunday?

The Vikings haven't said what their plan at left tackle is because they aren't sure how quickly Cam Robinson can get up to speed after Tuesday's trade from Jacksonville.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell and General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah at practice on Wednesday. O'Connell credited Adofo-Mensah for acquiring a player

Vikings' plan at left tackle on hold until Robinson is able to practice

Newly-acquired left tackle Cam Robinson is expected to practice Thursday, but coach Kevin O'Connell wants him in the mix Sunday. Also, tight end T.J. Hockenson is ready to go, and the team is hopeful linebacker Blake Cashman can return vs. the Colts.
David Quessenberry becomes an important option for the Vikings at left tackle after the season-ending ACL tear injury to Christian Darrisaw.

Analysis: Vikings tackle Quessenberry's cancer battle changed his life

On the NFL: Offensive tackle David Quessenberry persevered through trying times to forge out a professional career.
Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) tries to get to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford on Thursday night. Stafford wasn’t sacked and was pressu

Five extra points: Rams open strong, face little resistance from Vikings

Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams set the tone early and held it steady, with Vikings' pass rush looking tired on the road on a short week.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff has been showing the traits of an MVP.

NFC North Week 8 picks: Goff looks a little like an MVP, and his Lions look a lot like the NFL's best team

The Titans aren't likely to be much of a challenge for Detroit on Sunday, a day when three NFC North teams appear set up to win.
Blake Brandel, left, is one of the key blockers for Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold this season, but he's also team leader in presnap penalties.


The

Analysis: Trouble before the snap plagues the NFL, and hardly anybody's worse than the Vikings

They stand third in the league in presnap penalties, in a season when teams are making such mistakes at the highest rate in charted history.
December 6, 1976 Chuck Foreman, second from right, buildozed through a hole Sunday amid the snow at Metropolitan Stadium. September 13, 1981 Scenes li

Former Vikings Foreman, Marshall clear another hurdle for Pro Football Hall of Fame

List of senior candidates was pared from 60 to 31 by Hall of Fame's Seniors Blue-Ribbon Committee.
Jahmyr Gibbs' touchdown run near the end of the first half was one of the surprises the Lions had in store for the Vikings on Sunday.

Five extra points: Lions' savvy, Vikings' blunders swing momentum in NFC North battle

It took Detroit a quarter to recover from a confounding fake punt, but after that it was the Vikings who were making mistakes in a 31-29 loss at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Vikings in the second quarter. Gibbs averaged 7.7 yards on 15 carrie

Analysis: Vikings defense isn't up to the task against top-ranked Lions offense

Make no mistake: Detroit's offense right now is just better than the Vikings defense. The Lions had 11 explosive plays, three of them touchdowns, while QB Jared Goff completed 88% of his passes.
Stephon Gilmore brought an All-Pro past to the Vikings, and his teammates are modeling his confidence.

Gilmore's wisdom shows in the championship-caliber swagger of Vikings cornerbacks

Be Like Mike: Two-time All-Pro and 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephen Gilmore said he channels his all-time idol, Michael Jordan, in clutch situations.
Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams celebrates one of his three touchdowns this season.  The healthiest he’s been as a pro, Williams already has ca

NFC North Week 7 picks: Will Lions' Williams add to Vikings' 2022 draft regrets?

The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds receiver Jameson Williams primed to torment the Vikings and a last-place Packers team sitting pretty.
Minnesota native Jerry Seeman was a longtime NFL official.

Minnesota native Jerry Seeman among 25 contributor candidates being considered for Pro Football Hall of Fame

The former NFL official grew up in Plainview and went to college at Winona State before starting his career.
Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel reacts as he scores after an interception during the first half against the New York Jets in London on Oct. 6.

Six weeks into the NFL season, who's leading the postseason awards?

Way-too-early awards show has O'Connell as coach of the year and Cowboys defense as biggest disappointment
Vikings tight end Sammis Reyes took a peculiar route to the NFL that began with Chilean basketball.

Presenting … the best Vikings tale you've probably never heard

On the NFL Insider: Sammis Reyes' story began in Chile, on a basketball court, and wound through a U.S. boarding school (and some day-old doughnuts), a few colleges, two other NFL teams and football positions on both sides of the line.
The Lions and quarterback Jared Goff are 3-1 as they head into a difficult portion of their schedule.

NFC North Week 6 picks: Lions return to a schedule packed with challenges

The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig took a look around the NFC North, turned up teams with reasons for optimism and forecast a Sunday sweep.
Blake Cashman and the Vikings defense attacked Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the right side on Sunday.

Five extra points: Rodgers fooled, Jefferson flustered, Reichard flawless

In the Vikings' 23-17 win in London, Brian Flores' defense took away Jets QB Aaron Rodgers' security blanket, the Jets smothered Justin Jefferson, and Will Reichard was stone cold.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell talks with receiver Justin Jefferson during training camp in August. “One of the reasons I think we’ve become s

Analysis: O'Connell's bond with Jefferson helping Vikings in more ways than one

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has encouraged superstar receiver Justin Jefferson to set the standard for his teammates when it comes to playing smarter, tougher and with more passion.
Caleb Williams of the Bears is the first quarterback selected No. 1 overall in the common draft era (since 1967) to win his first two home games.

NFC North Week 5 picks: Who will make a move while Lions rest?

A spin around the NFC North finds the young QBs for the Bears and Packers each facing a veteran who can't be counted out.
In his first four games as a Viking, quarterback Sam Darnold has 11 touchdown passes, three more than any other quarterback in the NFL (Baker Mayfield

Vikings' Darnold named NFC offensive player of the month

Darnold has led the Vikings to their first 4-0 start in eight years while pacing the NFL in touchdown passes (11) and passer rating (118.9).
Minnesota Viking Chuck Foreman carries the ball in a 1974 game with Houston. ORG XMIT: MIN2013042310141517 ORG XMIT: MIN1502131209103532

Marshall, Foreman make initial cut for 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class

Former Vikings Jim Marshall and Chuck Foreman are among the 60 senior candidates to advance to the next stage in the voting process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.
Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, pictured in April, has been out since December with a torn ACL in his right knee.

Hockenson will return to Vikings practice on Friday in London

Vikings star tight end T.J. Hockenson sustained a torn ACL last December and had surgery in January. The team plans to open his 21-day window to come off injured reserve this week.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers scrambles with the ball against the Denver Broncos on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets are 2-2 this se

Analysis: Under siege, Rodgers fortunate his likely farewell to the Vikings is in London

With Sunday's showdown happening in London and not U.S. Bank Stadium, Aaron Rodgers is lucky he won't be saying goodbye to the Vikings fan base in Minnesota.
Vikings linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill, left, celebrates his first-quarter interception with safety Camryn Bynum on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Unsung Viking of the week: Grugier-Hill keeping up with Pace

Filling in for the injured starter Ivan Pace Jr., Vikings linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill has an interception in each of the last two games, helping the Vikings jump out to early leads.
Vikings linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (54) celebrates his interception against the Packers in the first quarter.

Five extra points: Run defense's goals, Love's regrets, O'Connell's risks shape Vikings' win

The Vikings' Kevin O'Connell outcoached the Packers' Matt LaFleur; the Minnesota defense thwarted the NFL's No. 1 running game; and Green Bay's QB was kept off-balance.
Vikings kicker Will Reichard (16) celebrates his 58-yard field goal in the fourth quarter against the Texans on Sept. 22 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Analysis: QB whisperer? Vikings' O'Connell is also a kicker whisperer.

Coach Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings seem to have found the right rookie kicker in Will Reichard, who heads to Lambeau Field unbothered by the team's history there.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) fumbled the ball as he was sacked by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Preston Smith (91) and nose t

NFC North picks: Packers pass rushers looking forward to Vikings' visit

The Minnesota Star Tribune's Mark Craig takes a spin around the NFC North and finds Marcus Davenport injured again, Cole Kmet thriving in Chicago and a pair of Packers eager to see Vikings QB Sam Darnold.
Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) dances the Griddy after breaking up a pass meant for Vikings star Justin Jefferson two seasons ago at Lambeau

Vikings' Jefferson plans to avenge Alexander's 'Griddy' in Green Bay

The last time Vikings star Justin Jefferson played at Lambeau Field during the 2022 season, Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander was the one celebrating with Jefferson's signature dance.
Vikings receiver Jordan Addison, during in August in Eagan, said he is ready to play on Sunday against the Packers.

Vikings' Addison says he's ready to play vs. Packers

Wide receiver Jordan Addison has missed the Vikings' last two games with an ankle injury, but says he's "feeling good to jump back in" when the team travels to Green Bay on Sunday.
Quarterback Sam Darnold started strong for Carolina in 2021, but didn't finish well.

Darnold's career resurrection still in 'Yeah, but ...' stage

The Vikings are 3-0 behind quarterback Sam Darnold. But he also started 3-0 with the Panthers in 2021, and that season did not end well.
Former Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer applauded after a speech by Mike Grant during a public celebration of for Minnesota Vikings coach Bud Grant.

Moved by Favre, former Vikings QB Kramer says he has dementia

One day after former NFL quarterback Brett Favre announced he had Parkinson's disease, Vikings great Tommy Kramer said he received a dementia diagnosis a year ago.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores gets a lot of credit for his innovative schemes and leading the NFL's No. 2-ranked scoring defense, but he

Analysis: For Vikings' Flores, 'it's the players, not the plays'

On the NFL: Part of the Vikings' undefeated start is a defense that ranks second in the league in points given up, and that begins with the autonomy coordinator Brian Flores gives his players
Vikings nose tackle Harrison Phillips (97) celebrates with linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) after Greenard sacked Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Str

Vikings' unsung player of the week: Phillips' generosity stands out

Vikings nose tackle Harrison Phillips helped one teammate get an interception and another get a sack in the team's rout of the Texans on Sunday.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) breaks the grasps of Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. during the third quarter of a 34-7 victory Sunday.

Five extra points: Few signs of the old Sam Darnold or that Stephon Gilmore is old

Darnold, Gilmore, Christian Darrisaw and Harrison Phillips were among the Vikings players who stood out in a 34-7 dismantling of the Houston Texans.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell watches over his players during practice earlier this month at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan. Usually affable in

Vikings' O'Connell, known as Mr. Nice Guy, unleashes his 'dark side'

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has been showing more of an edge this season, according to his players, his assistants and himself. Vikings fans need know "I got it in me," he said.