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Matt Vensel

Reporter | Vikings
Recent content from Matt Vensel
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright insists he should get more playing time this year than he did last season.

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.
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Xavier Rhodes joked with a teammate before the morning practice.

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.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater signed a large helmet for Milt Toratti, 75, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Veteran players reported for camp on

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.
Receiver Moritz Bohringer

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.
Minnesota Vikings Antone Exum Jr. (32).

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.
Minnesota Vikings newly acquired running back Latavius Murray worked out at Winter Park in April.

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.
Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Dalvin Cook, right, takes a handoff from quarterback Wes Lunt during the NFL football team's rookies minicamp Fr

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.
Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford

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.
Riley Reiff (71) signed with the Vikings after starting his career with Detroit.

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

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,
Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr

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.
Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Dalvin Cook, right, takes a handoff from quarterback Wes Lunt during the NFL football team's rookies minicamp Fr

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

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

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?
Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22)

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.
Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes will step into a bigger role this season.

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.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater worked on drills with trainer Tom Hunkele Wednesday May 31,2017 in Eden Prairie, MN.

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.
Dan Gamache, owner of Mache Custom Kicks, has designed several custom-made cleats for Vikings players and other athletes.
Xavier Rhodesí custom c

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.
Minnesota Vikings strong safety Andrew Sendejo (34) celebrated defensive end Everson Griffen's (97) fumble recovery last season vs. Dallas.

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.
Minnesota Vikings rookie center Pat Elflein, out of Ohio State, takes questions from the media during the NFL football team's rookies minicamp Friday,

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.
Latavius Murray took to the practice field for a light work out at Winter Park, Wednesday, June 14, 2017 in Eden Prairie, MN.

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.
Receiver Michael Floyd during Vikings offseason workouts.

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.
Minnesota Vikings Jarius Wright.

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.
Vikings wide receiver Michael Floyd

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.
FILE - In this Jan. 1, 2017, file photo, San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly stands on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football ga

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

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.
Norv Turner

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.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) joins other quarterbacks including Sam Bradford, right, during the NFL football teams practice Tue

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.
Riley Reiff, center, took to the field for practice at Winter Park, Wednesday, June 14, 2017 in Eden Prairie, MN.

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 lineman Joe Berger on the recently released brain-injury study: "There are lots of things that can happen to you in life. Obviously, you're ra

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

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

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

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.
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) forced a fumble on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) in the third quarter , the ball was

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.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer

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 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

'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.
Former Florida State running back Dalvin Cook took in the sun as he waited for a press conference during the first day of Vikings rookie minicamp at W

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.
Minnesota Vikings rookie tight end Bucky Hodges

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.
Terence Newman

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.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer

Zimmer: 'One eye or two, it really doesn't matter. I'm going to be back'

Mike Zimmer is determined to coach -- whether he loses sight in his eye or not.

Vikings sign three more draft picks

Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver Rodney Adams runs a route during the NFL football team rookies minicamp Friday, May 5, 2017, in Eden Prairie, M

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

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.
Michael Floyd talked with the media after the Vikings first organized full-team practice of the offseason at Winter Park Wednesday May 23, 2017 in Ede

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

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.
Teddy Bridgewater gave peace signs during Vikings practice at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., on August 26, 2016.

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.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, shown prior to a December 2016 game against Jacksonville, said doctors gave him “really good news’’ af

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.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, who last Wednesday had his eighth surgery on his right eye, "will be taking time away from the team to dedicate to recoveri

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, who last Wednesday had his eighth surgery on his right eye, "will be taking time away from the team to dedicate to recoveri

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer says he had another eye surgery this week

Mike Zimmer had surgery No. 8 on his right eye this week.
Michael Floyd

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'

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.
Minnesota Vikings fullback Zach Line (48) dove in the end zone passtChicago Bears defensive end Will Sutton (93) for a fourth quarter touchdown, Sunda

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

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.
Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8)

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.
Minnesota Vikings rookie center Pat Elflein, out of Ohio State, takes questions from the media during the NFL football team's rookies minicamp Friday,

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.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15)

'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.
Minnesota Vikings running back C.J. Ham (30) runs through Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Floyd Raven (41), outside linebacker Darien Harris, right,

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 rookie wide receiver Rodney Adams

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.
Stevenson University star Austin Tennessee is hoping to be one of the rare players to make the jump from Division III football to the NFL.,

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 (15)

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.
The Vikings have released Cedric Thompson, who played safety for the Gophers in college, from their practice squad.

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.
Minnesota Vikings strong safety Andrew Sendejo (34) intercepted a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) in the first quart

Draft hurt some, helped some

Minnesota Vikings Jerick McKinnon (21).

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.
Anthony Barr chases Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a game last season.

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.
Florida State running back Dalvin Cook, the Vikings' top draft pick, likely will be competing for a starting role with the team in 2017.

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.
Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook was selected in the second round by the Vikings.

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.
Dalvin Cook (4)

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

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.
Players during introductions before the start of the NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Thursday, April 27, 2017. (Yong Kim/Philadelphia D

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,

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.
How will the Vikings address their issues at quarterback? It depends. “It is all related to the prognosis and future for Bridgewater,” s

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.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) acknowledges the fans after an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015,

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.