MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEWS

Adrian Peterson, dressed as Santa Claus, donates gifts to 101 children

The Vikings running back has been in the Christmas spirit this week.

Jordan Heck

Report of new NFL spring league quickly refuted

A SiriusXM NFL Radio report that the NFL was launching a spring league in April was quickly debunked.

Ron Clements

Weekend NFL Kickoff: Giants among several teams hoping to clinch playoff spots

Thursday's Giants-Eagles game kicks off a Week 16 slate chock-full of playoff implications.

Ron Clements

Pro Bowl rosters headed by Raiders, Falcons players

The 2017 Pro Bowl will be played at Orlando's Camping World Stadium on Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. ET.

Ron Clements

The Blitz Read: AFC South a jumbled mess with two games remaining

Thanks to a pair of improbable wins, the Titans and Texans are 8-6, but the Colts are right behind them after Sunday's win in Minnesota.

Ron Clements

Packers' playoff odds improve significantly with their win, Lions' loss

How can the Packers make the playoffs? Thanks to their win and the Lions' loss Sunday, simply by winning out and taking the NFC North.

Ron Clements

Adrian Peterson no longer able to save the Vikings

Adrian Peterson’s return to the lineup was supposed to boost the Vikings' playoff hopes. It had the opposite effect.

Marcus Dinitto

Vikings activate Adrian Peterson

Less than four months removed from knee surgery, Adrian Peterson has returned to the Vikings active roster and plans to play Sunday.

Arthur Weinstein

Adrian Peterson says he'll play this week; will Vikings let him?

Adrian Peterson claims he will play this weekend, but the Vikings need to make a roster move if that's the case.

Arthur Weinstein

Weekend NFL Kickoff: Seahawks among teams with chance to clinch

The Seahawks can clinch the NFC West with a win Thursday over a dysfunctional Rams team that has lost eight of nine and four straight.

Ron Clements

Colts owner Jim Irsay puts pressure on Chuck Pagano, Ryan Grigson to win out

Irsay said Wednesday he doesn't plan on making any changes — but that could change.

Ron Clements

He Said What?! The best NFL quotes from Week 14

The biggest news of the day was the decision of the Rams to fire Jeff Fisher, who is not the scapegoat for the team's 4-9 record.

Ron Clements

Adrian Peterson targets Christmas Eve return against Packers

The Vikings held off the Jaguars on Sunday to remain two games behind the Lions in the standings.

Alec Brzezinski

Mike Zimmer will don special glasses to coach Vikings vs. Jaguars

Still recovering from two surgeries to repair a detached retina, Vikings coach Mike ZImmer will return to the sideline to coach Sunday.

Arthur Weinstein

Weekend Kickoff: NFL playoff berths hinge on Cardinals-Dolphins game

The Raiders, Patriots and Seahawks can clinch playoff spots this weekend — with some help.

Ron Clements

Mike Zimmer won't coach Vikings against Cowboys after emergency eye surgery

The Vikings announced Mike Priefer will take over coaching duties for now.

Ron Clements

Weekend Kickoff: Cowboys look to stay hot before weekend of inter-conference matchups

If the Cowboys can win at Minnesota on Thursday, they can be the first team this season to clinch a playoff berth.

Ron Clements

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer has emergency eye surgery

The Vikings announced Wednesday that Zimmer may not be available for Thursday's game against the Cowboys.

Ron Clements

Weekend Kickoff: Playoff implications loom large on Thanksgiving

For the first time since 1935, each game played on Thanksgiving Day will feature teams with records of .500 or better.

Ron Clements

NFL Thanksgiving games: Schedule, who's playing and how to watch

NFL games scheduled to be played on Thanksgiving in 2016 include Lions-Vikings, Cowboys-Redskins and Steelers-Colts.

Jordan Heck

He Said What?! The best NFL quotes from Week 11

Steve Smith may be destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but that doesn't mean the veteran receiver has the respect of his opponents.

Ron Clements

TV sound guy trucked by Vikings: 'I didn't see anybody coming and then … boom!'

The Vikings reportedly are planning to present an autographed picture of the incident to Bernie Beaudry before their home game Dec. 1 against the Cowboys.

Nicholas McGee

Cardinals' Bruce Arians hospitalized; Tyrann Mathieu provides encouraging update

Bruce Arians was hospitalized with chest pain following Arizona's 30-24 loss to the Vikings.

Joe Rodgers

Just what the heck's wrong with NFL kickers?

NFL kickers combined to miss 12 extra points Sunday, including a pair of misses by Giants kicker Robbie Gould and Cincinnati's Mike Nugent.

Ron Clements

Mike Zimmer was right; Vikings back to doing what they do best

When the Vikings began the season with five straight victories, they did so on the strength of their defense and special teams.

Ron Clements

Weekend NFL Kickoff: Saints, Panthers eager to play despite short week

For the Saints and Panthers, who are both coming off gut-wrenching losses Sunday, this week’s game offers a chance to erase a bad taste.

Ron Clements

Vikings finally solve their Blair Walsh problem, maybe too late

Blair Walsh is out in Minnesota. We're not sure what took so long.

Marc Lancaster

He Said What?! The best NFL quotes from Week 10

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones won't give up on one of his troubled players while the Browns are hoping to welcome back their original 2016 QB.

Ron Clements

NFL Week 10 Local Headlines: Twinkle-toes Parks thanks ballet for PAT return

Week 10 of the NFL season delivered as nine of Sunday's games were decided by a score.

Nicholas McGee

The Blitz Read: Does anyone want to win the NFC South or North?

The NFC South was 1-3 on Sunday while the North teams were 0-3 as the Detroit Lions were on their bye.

Ron Clements

DeSean Jackson's injury 'not good,' will keep Redskins WR out longer than expected

DeSean Jackson suffered a shoulder injury two weeks ago, and the Redskins don't know when he'll be back.

Kirstie Chiappelli

Vikings' Alex Boone acknowledges concussion dangers, ditches old helmet

"I know what’s going to happen to me someday," Alex Boone said after he sustained a concussion Oct. 31.

Gabrielle McMillen

Weekend Kickoff: Five reasons to watch the Browns-Ravens, seriously

Against an opponent the Browns know very well, they could get their first win. Do you really want to miss that?

Ron Clements

Vikings to stick with Blair Walsh after trying out multiple kickers, report says

Walsh, who was a Pro Bowler his rookie season, has missed at least one kick in four of the team’s eight games in 2016.

Joe Rodgers

He Said What?! The best NFL quotes from Week 9

There is a growing distrust of the NFL by players and Monday night's game did little to remedy that.

Ron Clements

Redskins' Josh Norman won't change 'bestiality' on the field

The Washington cornerback may have learned a valuable lesson Monday. Choose your words carefully.

Ron Clements

The Blitz Read: Special teams on the uptick past the NFL midway point

Sunday was a special kind of day in the NFL. That was either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the team.

Ron Clements

Vikings' Blair Walsh growing tired of reporters who ask about missed kicks every week

Continued struggles by the Vikings' troubled kicker led to Minnesota's third straight loss Sunday after starting the season 5-0.

Joe Rodgers

Weekend Kickoff: Bucs-Falcons start off division showdowns

We’re more than halfway through the season and nearly every division is still up for grabs.

Ron Clements

Lions lose LB Armonty Bryant to three-game suspension

Tucked at the bottom of a release announcing a trade, the Lions revealed the suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Ron Clements

Bears' Zach Miller: Jay Cutler 'is the emotion on the football field'

Jay Cutler is suddenly inspirational.

Jordan Heck

He Said What?! The best NFL quotes from Week 8

Does the NFL have an officiating problem? The overwhelming response from coaches and players is yes.

Ron Clements

Bears flip script to stun Vikings behind Jordan Howard, dominating defense

Jay Cutler returned at quarterback for the Bears, but it was a dominant effort from the defense and stellar game by Jordan that led the way.

Ron Clements

Mike Zimmer thriving with Vikings after years of being passed over

In his third season as the Minnesota Vikings head coach, Zimmer is a leading candidate for coach of the year.

Ron Clements

The Blitz Read: Tom Brady, Matt Ryan, Derek Carr top list of early MVP candidates

Several of the league's top quarterbacks led their respective teams to big victories on Sunday.

Ron Clements

John Fox’s days with Bears may be numbered

The Bears are conducting a full examination of their football operation, putting John Fox squarely on the hot seat.

Marcus Dinitto

Mike Zimmer wants it known he didn't mutilate toy cats

The Vikings coach tried a little motivational symbolism that went spectacularly wrong.

Scott Ridge

Brad Childress denies book's claim of Vikings bounty system

Brad Childress was the Vikings' head coach of from 2006-10. The team also denied the allegation made by former offensive lineman Artis Hicks.

Ron Clements

Kristin Cavallari dressing as black cat on day of Jay Cutler's return

Jay Cutler doesn't need any more bad luck this season.

Gabrielle McMillen

NFL Weekend Kickoff: Games have been bad, sure, but they’ve been close

A near-record number of games through the first seven weeks have been decided by seven points or fewer.

Ron Clements

Does John Fox believe in Jay Cutler? 'He doesn't have a choice,' QB says

Short on options with backup Brian Hoyer out long-term with a broken arm, the Bears reluctantly turn back toward Jay Cutler at quarterback.

Brandon Schlager

John Fox suddenly has a plan for Jay Cutler and the Bears

Jay Cutler is returning to the lineup because Chicago has no other choice, and he knows it.

Jordan Heck

He Said What?! Best Week 7 quotes

Following their respective Week 7 games, several NFL players and coaches took some time for self-reflection.

Ron Clements

The Blitz Read: Turnovers galore mar NFL season's ugliest day of football yet

Of the 13 games played Sunday, 10 of them had multiple turnovers in what was the sloppiest day of the season thus far.

Ron Clements

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer rips offensive line following 'embarrassing' loss

Always a straight shooter, Zimmer heavily criticized the team's offensive line, which surrendered six sacks and 11 more hits on quarterback.

Ron Clements

Eagles batter Sam Bradford in brutally ugly win over Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are no longer undefeated. That doesn't mean the Philadelphia Eagles played a great game to beat them.

Ron Clements

Harambe's spirit lives on thanks to Jerick McKinnon's cleats

The Vikings running back wore "RIP Harambe" cleats during pregame warm-ups Sunday.

Kirstie Chiappelli

Bears may push to get Jay Cutler back for next game

With Brian Hoyer out with a broken arm, the Bears may push to get injured starter Jay Cutler back for the team's next game.

Arthur Weinstein

NFL Weekend Kickoff: Can Packers rekindle Lambeau mystique?

London’s Twickenham Stadium will host an NFL game for the first time with the Giants and Rams facing off at the famed rugby venue.

Ron Clements

Vikings' Mike Zimmer rationalizes keeping DC George Edwards after DWI arrest

Zimmer clarified what led him to keep his assistant but release practice squad player Isame Faciane after their respective DWIs.

Gabrielle McMillen

Vikings DC George Edwards arrested, charged with DWI in May

The Vikings said Edwards immediately reported the incident to the team and was "significantly disciplined."

Brandon Schlager

Nobody should have doubted Vikings because of Sam Bradford

When the St. Louis Rams selected Sam Bradford with the top overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, they believed he could be a franchise quarterback.

Ron Clements

Vikings fan in Wisconsin stabbed while saving lawn inflatable

"It is going to get a little piece of Vikings duct tape put on there, and it's going to be blown up every day of the week from now on."

Bob Hille

He Said What?! Best Week 5 quotes

Often NFL players are called heroes or their play is referred to as heroic. But one NFL player said he was inspired by a super hero Sunday.

Ron Clements

The Blitz Read: Vikings victorious to remain NFL's only undefeated team

The Vikings remain unbeaten. Tom Brady returned. Dak Prescott shined again. Carson Wentz and the Eagles saw their perfect streaks snapped.

Ron Clements

Vikings misspell DE Everson Griffen's name on uniform

Everson Griffen is good, so one would think those in Minnesota should know how to spell his name by now.

Alec Brzezinski

Vikings dominate Texans to stay undefeated, pad case as NFC front-runner

The Vikings ran their record to 5-0 on Sunday with a 31-13 win over the Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Marcus Dinitto

Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. again fined by NFL

Odell Beckham Jr.'s latest fine will cost him $24,309.

Ron Clements

Weekend Kickoff: Expected contenders dealing with QB shuffle

Who could have predicted the two teams that played in January’s NFC championship game would both be 1-3 after four games?

Ron Clements

Texans place Devon Still on IR following Lisfranc surgery

Still was supposed to replace J.J. Watt. Instead, the season is over for the father of Leah Still.

Ron Clements

Tom Coughlin calls Odell Beckham Jr. 'a distraction,' but offers to help

Make it two Giants coaches who believe Odell Beckham Jr. has become a distraction to his team.

Ron Clements

Odell Beckham Jr. 'not having fun anymore' after latest sideline tantrum

The Giants wide receiver said football isn't his "sanctuary" anymore as his on-field behavior continues to be scrutinized.

Gabrielle McMillen

Odell Beckham on taunting penalty: 'If I sneeze the wrong way, it’ll be a flag'

Despite repeated offenses, OBJ doesn't believe his outbursts on the field are related to physical and mental jabs from opposing defenders.

Joe Rodgers

Vikings' defense frustrates Odell Beckham Jr., Eli Manning to stay undefeated

The Vikings’ defense currently leads the NFL in turnover margin at plus-10, having forced a total of 11 turnovers.

Joe Rodgers

The Blitz Read: For Panthers, Cardinals, what a difference a year makes

Even the Patriots and Broncos were not immune to misfortune Sunday, a rough day for each of last year's NFL semifinalists in different ways.

Brandon Schlager

Is there a chance Giants play Odell Beckham Jr. at safety?

It's probably not going to happen, but there's a possibility.

Jordan Heck

He Said What?! The best NFL quotes from Week 3

The Eagles are one of five unbeaten NFL teams through three weeks, and the hype around rookie quarterback Carson Wentz continues to grow.

Ron Clements

NFL Week 3 headlines: From savvy Carson Wentz to 's—y' Jets

Here's a look at some of the local headlines from around the NFL this weekend.

Nicholas McGee

The Blitz Read: Turnovers help Bills, Vikings pull off upsets of NFC favorites

Three weeks into the season, both the Panthers and Cardinals are 1-2 while the Vikings, Eagles, Ravens, Patriots and Broncos are 3-0.

Ron Clements

Panthers lose to Vikings to cap tumultuous week in Charlotte

The Panthers fell to 1-2 with a loss at home to the Vikings on Sunday after an unsettling week in Charlotte.

Marcus Dinitto

Adrian Peterson expects return to Vikings sooner than later

Of course Peterson thinks he'll be back on the field as soon as he's taken off IR.

Ron Clements

Panthers-Vikings game in Charlotte declared ‘Extraordinary Event’

Protests in Charlotte were expected to continue Sunday.

Marcus Dinitto

Adrian Peterson heads to IR; Vikings teammates reportedly irked by surgery call

Minnesota won't have Peterson for a while, and other players aren't thrilled about it.

Joe Rodgers

Vikings’ Terence Newman says country is ‘moving toward another civil rights war’

Newman, 38, was in the thick of a police shooting controversy earlier this year with the death of Philando Castle in Falcon Heights, Minn.

Travis Durkee

Panthers will 'monitor' Charlotte protests as Vikings game draws close

The protests in Charlotte reached scary heights Wednesday, but there are currently no plans to move the game.

Jordan Heck

Adrian Peterson headed for knee surgery, could miss months

Adrian Peterson will undergo surgery Thursday to repair his torn meniscus.

Alec Brzezinski

'He Said What?!' The best NFL quotes from Week 2

Coaches and players aren't going to panic with 14 games remaining on the schedule. They will complain about officials, though.

Ron Clements

NFL Week 2 Headlines: Patriots hail 'baby' Brissett as injury bug strikes

After a Sunday slate in which the injury bug hit the NFL hard, we round up some of headlines from Week 2.

Nicholas McGee

The Blitz Read: Injuries ravage NFL rosters in Week 2

Not only did the Patriots lose Jimmy Garoppolo with a shoulder injury, several top running backs also suffered injuries on Sunday.

Ron Clements

Sam Bradford lifts Vikings as Adrian Peterson is let down by injury vs. Packers

Inspired play by the Vikings' stand-in quarterback lessens the blow of a potentially serious knee injury to running back Adrian Peterson.

Brandon Schlager

Vikings' Adrian Peterson carried off field with right knee injury

Adrian Peterson left Sunday night's game against the Packers with what appeared to be a very painful injury.

Alec Brzezinski

Head2Head: Adrian Peterson, Eddie Lacy to face tough run defenses

During their season-opening victories last Sunday, the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings combined to make 10 tackles for a loss.

Ron Clements

Weekend kickoff: 'Color Rush' precedes playoff rematches, home debuts

The NFL’s second “Color Rush” season begins Thursday night with the New York Jets taking on the Buffalo Bills.

Ron Clements

He Said What?! The best NFL quotes from Week 1

Marcus Peters talks about his show of solidarity with Colin Kaepernick; plus, sarcasm by Bill Belichick and straight talk by Cardinals GM Steve Keim.

Ron Clements

Mike Mularkey vows to pay Titans player's fine for wearing 9/11 tribute cleats

Mike Mularkey urged Avery Williamson to wear his 9/11 tribute cleats, even after the NFL threatened a fine. Now, Mularkey will pay the fine.

Arthur Weinstein

NFL Week 1 Headlines: Terrance Williams 'aware' of clock, Dolphins owner backs protests

After a wild opening weekend, we look at some of the headlines from around the NFL.

Nicholas McGee

The Blitz Read: Derek Carr outduels Drew Brees in wild Week 1

Oakland's victory in New Orleans was just one of 10 games that came down to the wire on the NFL's first Sunday.

Ron Clements

Vikings shut down Titans' 'exotic smashmouth' offense

The Titans' new "exotic smashmouth" offense looked great early, but sputtered late as the Vikings scored two defensive TDs to win the game.

Arthur Weinstein

Sam Bradford won’t start for Vikings against Titans, per reports

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said earlier in the day he decided on his starter, but won’t make an announcement until Sunday.

Travis Durkee

Storylines for 2016 NFL season

Beginning with Thursday's Super Bowl rematch, there are plenty of storylines to watch, including milestones within reach and predictions.

Ron Clements

Weekend kickoff: Super Bowl rematch begins season

The 2016 NFL seasons gets started Thursday night in Denver with the defending Super Bowl champion Broncos welcoming the team they beat.

Ron Clements

Eagles GM 'didn't think Vikings would consider' giving up 1st for Sam Bradford

What were the two GMs behind the season's biggest trade so far thinking?

Jordan Heck

Vikings name Shaun Hill Week 1 starter, for now

Sam Bradford, acquired from the Eagles on Saturday, will have just four practices under his belt but will be ready to fill in as needed.

Kirstie Chiappelli

Vikings waive WR Moritz Boehringer

German receiver Moritz Boehringer wowed scouts this spring with a 4.43 40-yard dash, but the Vikings will waive the sixth-round draft pick.

Arthur Weinstein

NFL roster cuts tracker: Mark Sanchez, Justin Forsett among final cuts

The deadline for NFL teams to cut their rosters to 53 was 4 p.m. ET Saturday. Teams can claim waived players beginning Sunday at noon.

Ron Clements

Teddy Bridgewater upbeat about recovery, puts faith in 'amazing DNA' to heal

Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has vowed to return to full health following a horrific knee injury on Tuesday, cites mother's winning fight against breast cancer.

Ron Clements

Vikings fans vote for Mike Glennon over Colin Kaepernick to save their season

After Teddy Bridgewater's ACL injury, an online poll points to Bucs backup Mike Glennon as the QB Viking fans think the team should acquire.

Bob Hille

Teddy Bridgewater, Melvin Gordon shine in Week 3

The Minnesota Vikings christened U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday and Teddy Bridgewater did not disappoint the home crowd.

Ron Clements

Darren Sharper sentenced in Louisiana to 20 years in prison for drug, rape convictions

The former NFL All-Pro safety received more was sentenced to 18 years by a federal judge last week.

Ron Clements

Chargers statement rebutted by source close to Joey Bosa talks, per report

The Chargers said Wednesday that representatives for Joey Bosa rejected the team's "best offer" on Tuesday night.

Ron Clements

Broncos debuting free beer vending machine

This is possibly the best ever innovation at a sporting stadium.

Travis Durkee

Vikings install lactation suites

When the Vikings host the Chiefs on October 18, they will be the first NFL franchise to offer lactation suites for nursing mothers.

Joe Rodgers

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