Emily Leiker
@emleiker.bsky.social
vikings beat for star-tribune • mizzou made • washington-born • lover of all pop culture
📸 (IG) eleiker.writes
📧 emily.leiker@startribune.com
📸 (IG) eleiker.writes
📧 emily.leiker@startribune.com
New Access Vikings w/ @andrewkrammer.bsky.social talking about Greenard and Kelly being ruled out vs. the Bears and answering listener Qs about helmets, fines and more.
+ FBF on 2021's Wk. 13 Vikings-Lions game.
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/IBWzYyx3Qm8
+ FBF on 2021's Wk. 13 Vikings-Lions game.
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/IBWzYyx3Qm8
Vikings rule two out vs. Bears, and a mailbag on helmets, fines and outside linebackers
Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss Ryan Kelly's week of practice, the outside linebacker room with Jonathan Greenard out against the Bears and the NFL's fine scale while answering listener…
youtu.be
November 15, 2025 at 12:09 AM
New Access Vikings w/ @andrewkrammer.bsky.social talking about Greenard and Kelly being ruled out vs. the Bears and answering listener Qs about helmets, fines and more.
+ FBF on 2021's Wk. 13 Vikings-Lions game.
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/IBWzYyx3Qm8
+ FBF on 2021's Wk. 13 Vikings-Lions game.
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/IBWzYyx3Qm8
Reposted by Emily Leiker
Vikings safety Harrison Smith reaches a ‘surreal’ milestone: his 200th NFL game
Vikings safety Harrison Smith reaches a ‘surreal’ milestone: his 200th NFL game
Smith, in his 14th Vikings season, will join the likes of Jim Marshall, Mick Tingelhoff and Carl Eller, among others, on Sunday against the Bears.
bit.ly
November 14, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Vikings safety Harrison Smith reaches a ‘surreal’ milestone: his 200th NFL game
Vikings game statuses from Kevin O’Connell:
Jonathan Greenard and Ryan Kelly are both ruled out. Said Kelly had a good week of practice, though.
No other game designations.
Jonathan Greenard and Ryan Kelly are both ruled out. Said Kelly had a good week of practice, though.
No other game designations.
November 14, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Vikings game statuses from Kevin O’Connell:
Jonathan Greenard and Ryan Kelly are both ruled out. Said Kelly had a good week of practice, though.
No other game designations.
Jonathan Greenard and Ryan Kelly are both ruled out. Said Kelly had a good week of practice, though.
No other game designations.
The NFL’s bodyweight rule within the roughing the passer penalty can be a tricky one, veteran Vikings defenders said this week after second-year OLB Dallas Turner was flagged for it against the Ravens.
“Sometimes you have to go through the experience”
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
“Sometimes you have to go through the experience”
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner’s illegal hit on Ravens QB Lamar Jackson was a learning experience
Turner thought he had a sack, but he was penalized for roughing the passer. He says he’s “still understanding the rules of the NFL.”
www.startribune.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:30 PM
The NFL’s bodyweight rule within the roughing the passer penalty can be a tricky one, veteran Vikings defenders said this week after second-year OLB Dallas Turner was flagged for it against the Ravens.
“Sometimes you have to go through the experience”
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
“Sometimes you have to go through the experience”
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Thursday’s Vikings-Bears practice report.
J.J. McCarthy was a full participant today.
J.J. McCarthy was a full participant today.
November 13, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Thursday’s Vikings-Bears practice report.
J.J. McCarthy was a full participant today.
J.J. McCarthy was a full participant today.
The Vikings are still looking to build consistency with J.J. McCarthy after his 5-game absence with an ankle sprain.
His fifth start — at a pivotal point in the season — comes against an opponent he’s already beat once.
From yesterday: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
His fifth start — at a pivotal point in the season — comes against an opponent he’s already beat once.
From yesterday: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Can an NFC North rematch vs. the Bears help Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy build consistency?
McCarthy, who practiced Wednesday with a bandaged hand, has faced obstacle after obstacle since the Vikings’ Week 1 victory in Chicago.
www.startribune.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:54 PM
The Vikings are still looking to build consistency with J.J. McCarthy after his 5-game absence with an ankle sprain.
His fifth start — at a pivotal point in the season — comes against an opponent he’s already beat once.
From yesterday: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
His fifth start — at a pivotal point in the season — comes against an opponent he’s already beat once.
From yesterday: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
New Access Vikings ep. closing the loop on Vikings-Ravens and previewing the Vikings-Bears rematch, including McCarthy and Williams talk, with @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social.
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/JjSNNroqFf8
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/JjSNNroqFf8
Vikings, J.J. McCarthy seek cohesion at home against surging Bears
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's game between the Vikings (4-5) and Bears (6-3), who have won six of their last seven games. Will the offense find cohesion with J.J.…
youtu.be
November 13, 2025 at 1:47 AM
New Access Vikings ep. closing the loop on Vikings-Ravens and previewing the Vikings-Bears rematch, including McCarthy and Williams talk, with @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social.
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/JjSNNroqFf8
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/JjSNNroqFf8
Wednesday’s Vikings-Bears practice report.
Long list of limiteds for the Vikings but from what it’s sounded like from O’Connell, most are precautionary. Wouldn’t expect as long a list later in the week.
Bears had a lot of non-participants — that time of the season.
Long list of limiteds for the Vikings but from what it’s sounded like from O’Connell, most are precautionary. Wouldn’t expect as long a list later in the week.
Bears had a lot of non-participants — that time of the season.
November 12, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Wednesday’s Vikings-Bears practice report.
Long list of limiteds for the Vikings but from what it’s sounded like from O’Connell, most are precautionary. Wouldn’t expect as long a list later in the week.
Bears had a lot of non-participants — that time of the season.
Long list of limiteds for the Vikings but from what it’s sounded like from O’Connell, most are precautionary. Wouldn’t expect as long a list later in the week.
Bears had a lot of non-participants — that time of the season.
Couple Weds. updates from KO:
Carson Wentz underwent successful shoulder surgery in LA. He’ll be out there a few days and then back in Eagan.
The Vikings will open Ryan Kelly’s 21-day practice window.
Jonathan Greenard remains day-to-day.
Carson Wentz underwent successful shoulder surgery in LA. He’ll be out there a few days and then back in Eagan.
The Vikings will open Ryan Kelly’s 21-day practice window.
Jonathan Greenard remains day-to-day.
November 12, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Couple Weds. updates from KO:
Carson Wentz underwent successful shoulder surgery in LA. He’ll be out there a few days and then back in Eagan.
The Vikings will open Ryan Kelly’s 21-day practice window.
Jonathan Greenard remains day-to-day.
Carson Wentz underwent successful shoulder surgery in LA. He’ll be out there a few days and then back in Eagan.
The Vikings will open Ryan Kelly’s 21-day practice window.
Jonathan Greenard remains day-to-day.
Today's notebook 📓 from Vikings coordinator access:
- Phillips on Sunday's pre-snap penalties
- Preparing to face 'slippery' Caleb Williams again
+ A few other brief notes
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
- Phillips on Sunday's pre-snap penalties
- Preparing to face 'slippery' Caleb Williams again
+ A few other brief notes
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips ‘embarrassed’ by eight false-start penalties
The Vikings were flagged time after time in a loss to the Ravens on Sunday, and Phillips said “that’s losing football.”
www.startribune.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Today's notebook 📓 from Vikings coordinator access:
- Phillips on Sunday's pre-snap penalties
- Preparing to face 'slippery' Caleb Williams again
+ A few other brief notes
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
- Phillips on Sunday's pre-snap penalties
- Preparing to face 'slippery' Caleb Williams again
+ A few other brief notes
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Kevin O’Connell says it’s “good news” on Jonathan Greenard (shoulder), who’s sore today but could be available Sunday.
Theo Jackson cleared concussion protocol this morning, and Josh Oliver (foot) is expected back in team practice this week.
Theo Jackson cleared concussion protocol this morning, and Josh Oliver (foot) is expected back in team practice this week.
November 10, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Kevin O’Connell says it’s “good news” on Jonathan Greenard (shoulder), who’s sore today but could be available Sunday.
Theo Jackson cleared concussion protocol this morning, and Josh Oliver (foot) is expected back in team practice this week.
Theo Jackson cleared concussion protocol this morning, and Josh Oliver (foot) is expected back in team practice this week.
From yesterday: J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson connected on only 4 of 12 targets. McCarthy and Jordan Addison on 3 of 11.
So up stepped Jalen Nailor for a game teammates knew he had in him.
“Speedy was gonna show up one of these days.”
bit.ly/3JR0SXA
So up stepped Jalen Nailor for a game teammates knew he had in him.
“Speedy was gonna show up one of these days.”
bit.ly/3JR0SXA
As J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson struggled to connect, Jalen Nailor gets his ‘big one’
Jefferson caught only four of 12 targets vs. the Ravens while Nailor took on a leading role, kickstarted by a 62-yard catch on the Vikings’ opening drive.
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 2:52 PM
From yesterday: J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson connected on only 4 of 12 targets. McCarthy and Jordan Addison on 3 of 11.
So up stepped Jalen Nailor for a game teammates knew he had in him.
“Speedy was gonna show up one of these days.”
bit.ly/3JR0SXA
So up stepped Jalen Nailor for a game teammates knew he had in him.
“Speedy was gonna show up one of these days.”
bit.ly/3JR0SXA
Postgame episode of Access Vikings w/ @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social is live now. We chat penalties, the Vikings' offensive struggles, how the defense fared vs. Lamar Jackson and took a brief look forward.
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/teSXoTDvN8I
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/teSXoTDvN8I
Penalties, turnovers too much for Vikings offense to overcome vs. Ravens
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 27-19 loss to the Ravens on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, where an inconsistent offense was often penalized and turnover prone. What…
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Postgame episode of Access Vikings w/ @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social is live now. We chat penalties, the Vikings' offensive struggles, how the defense fared vs. Lamar Jackson and took a brief look forward.
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/teSXoTDvN8I
Watch ⤵️ or listen wherever you get your pods.
youtu.be/teSXoTDvN8I
FINAL: 27-19, Ravens.
November 9, 2025 at 9:17 PM
FINAL: 27-19, Ravens.
Jalen Nailor taking a game ball home again this week. He scores the Vikings' first touchdown of the half and also had a critical 28-yard fourth-down reception to keep this drive alive.
Vikings go for 2 but McCarthy's pass to Jefferson goes incomplete.
Vikings, 19
Ravens, 27
4Q | 3:23
Vikings go for 2 but McCarthy's pass to Jefferson goes incomplete.
Vikings, 19
Ravens, 27
4Q | 3:23
November 9, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Jalen Nailor taking a game ball home again this week. He scores the Vikings' first touchdown of the half and also had a critical 28-yard fourth-down reception to keep this drive alive.
Vikings go for 2 but McCarthy's pass to Jefferson goes incomplete.
Vikings, 19
Ravens, 27
4Q | 3:23
Vikings go for 2 but McCarthy's pass to Jefferson goes incomplete.
Vikings, 19
Ravens, 27
4Q | 3:23
Vikings turn it over on downs in the red zone on fourth-and-3. This second half has been tough.
November 9, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Vikings turn it over on downs in the red zone on fourth-and-3. This second half has been tough.
Jackson scores his first touchdown of the afternoon, finding TE Mark Andrews near the back of the end zone.
The Ravens go for two and convert.
Vikings, 13
Ravens, 27
4Q | 10:40
The Ravens go for two and convert.
Vikings, 13
Ravens, 27
4Q | 10:40
November 9, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Jackson scores his first touchdown of the afternoon, finding TE Mark Andrews near the back of the end zone.
The Ravens go for two and convert.
Vikings, 13
Ravens, 27
4Q | 10:40
The Ravens go for two and convert.
Vikings, 13
Ravens, 27
4Q | 10:40
END OF 3Q: 19-13, Ravens
November 9, 2025 at 8:24 PM
END OF 3Q: 19-13, Ravens
Vikings have to settle for a field goal after three straight incompletions. Reichard clears his second of the day from 43 yards.
Vikings, 13
Ravens, 19
3Q | 2:16
Vikings, 13
Ravens, 19
3Q | 2:16
November 9, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Vikings have to settle for a field goal after three straight incompletions. Reichard clears his second of the day from 43 yards.
Vikings, 13
Ravens, 19
3Q | 2:16
Vikings, 13
Ravens, 19
3Q | 2:16
Well the Vikings escape a crazy few minutes as Loop misses a 56-yard field goal attempt to keep it 19-10, Ravens.
This has been quite the third quarter of football.
This has been quite the third quarter of football.
November 9, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Well the Vikings escape a crazy few minutes as Loop misses a 56-yard field goal attempt to keep it 19-10, Ravens.
This has been quite the third quarter of football.
This has been quite the third quarter of football.
Ravens running back Justice Hill takes the ball 1 yard up the middle for the Ravens' first touchdown of the day.
Not a great start to the second half here for the Vikings.
Vikings, 10
Ravens, 19
3Q | 8:02
Not a great start to the second half here for the Vikings.
Vikings, 10
Ravens, 19
3Q | 8:02
November 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Ravens running back Justice Hill takes the ball 1 yard up the middle for the Ravens' first touchdown of the day.
Not a great start to the second half here for the Vikings.
Vikings, 10
Ravens, 19
3Q | 8:02
Not a great start to the second half here for the Vikings.
Vikings, 10
Ravens, 19
3Q | 8:02
Greenard just went into the locker room with a towel over his head.
November 9, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Greenard just went into the locker room with a towel over his head.
Jonathan Greenard's going in the med tent after a few moments down on the field.
November 9, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Jonathan Greenard's going in the med tent after a few moments down on the field.
Vikings defense held in the red zone again after the McCarthy INT forced them back on the field. Ravens add just 3 points with a 22-yard field goal by Loop.
Ravens recover a fumble by Myles Price on the KO, and Jackson and co. are back driving.
Vikings, 10
Ravens, 12
3Q | 10:13
Ravens recover a fumble by Myles Price on the KO, and Jackson and co. are back driving.
Vikings, 10
Ravens, 12
3Q | 10:13
November 9, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Vikings defense held in the red zone again after the McCarthy INT forced them back on the field. Ravens add just 3 points with a 22-yard field goal by Loop.
Ravens recover a fumble by Myles Price on the KO, and Jackson and co. are back driving.
Vikings, 10
Ravens, 12
3Q | 10:13
Ravens recover a fumble by Myles Price on the KO, and Jackson and co. are back driving.
Vikings, 10
Ravens, 12
3Q | 10:13
Reposted by Emily Leiker
After back-to-back Aaron Jones runs that gained 22 yards, and a four-yard completion to Jordan Addison, Kevin O’Connell calls a play action shot out of 22 personnel on third down.
J.J. McCarthy is picked by Marlon Humphrey as Justin Jefferson falls down.
J.J. McCarthy is picked by Marlon Humphrey as Justin Jefferson falls down.
November 9, 2025 at 7:42 PM
After back-to-back Aaron Jones runs that gained 22 yards, and a four-yard completion to Jordan Addison, Kevin O’Connell calls a play action shot out of 22 personnel on third down.
J.J. McCarthy is picked by Marlon Humphrey as Justin Jefferson falls down.
J.J. McCarthy is picked by Marlon Humphrey as Justin Jefferson falls down.