Emily Leiker
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emleiker.bsky.social
Emily Leiker
@emleiker.bsky.social
vikings beat for star-tribune • mizzou made • washington-born • lover of all pop culture

📸 (IG) eleiker.writes
📧 [email protected]
Reposted by Emily Leiker
Seahawks' Sam Darnold is a favorite of Brian Flores, "but we’ll blitz him this week.” www.startribune.com/vikings-bria...
The battle between Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will be a key in Sunday's game at Seattle
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores built a friendship with quarterback Sam Darnold last season, when he led the Vikings to a 14-3 record.
www.startribune.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Wednesday’s Vikings-Seahawks full practice report:
November 27, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Reposted by Emily Leiker
Quick podcast with @emleiker.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social today, reacting to the news that J.J. McCarthy is in the concussion protocol: youtu.be/SwsEHblP05o?...
J.J. McCarthy's in concussion protocol. Will Max Brosmer start vs. Seattle?
YouTube video by Star Tribune
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Early story on J.J. McCarthy being put in concussion protocol by Vikings medical staff after exhibiting symptoms during travel home from Green Bay last night.

More to come: www.startribune.com/vikings-qb-j...
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy enters concussion protocol; status for Seattle game uncertain
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said that Max Brosmer will take the first-team reps in practices until McCarthy is ready to return.
www.startribune.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Kevin O’Connell also says J.J. McCarthy has been placed in concussion protocol.
November 24, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Kevin O’Connell said there’s not yet further injury updates on Donovan Jackson, Christian Darrisaw and Josh Metellus. Will come later in the week.
November 24, 2025 at 6:37 PM
The muffed punt in the Vikings' loss to the Packers on Sunday overshadowed what was otherwise a solid special teams game that included Will Reichard's fourth field goal of 59+ yards this season, an NFL record.

More on special teams: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Vikings' loss to the Packers turns on a muffed punt by Myles Price
For the third straight week, the special teams unit made a costly error while the Vikings were either ahead or within one score.
www.startribune.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Reposted by Emily Leiker
New Access Vikings podcast with @bengoessling.bsky.social, @emleiker.bsky.social and a dumpster someone wheeled by us outside Lambeau

If that game did not entertain you, we try

Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/3cRq...

Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/v...

YouTube: youtu.be/GjCl-CNCFjQ
Vikings look listless by end of 23-6 drubbing in Green Bay
YouTube video by Star Tribune
youtu.be
November 24, 2025 at 2:17 PM
A dumpster was moved up and down a Lambeau Field ramp near where @bengoessling.bsky.social, @andrewkrammer.bsky.social and I were recording today's Access Vikings postgame episode, so it's quite the listen.

Out now on audio. Video to come later, but we're en route back from Green Bay currently.
November 24, 2025 at 1:18 AM
FINAL: 23-6, Packers.

Going to be a long rest of the season for the Vikings, who will hit the road again next week to face a thriving Seahawks team led by Sam Darnold.
November 23, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Packers defenders were leading the crowd in a SKOL-chant-esque clap from the end zone in celebration after that McCarthy interception, his second of the afternoon.
November 23, 2025 at 8:37 PM
And there it is. McCarthy has a pass touched by Rashan Gary, and it's intercepted by linebacker Isaiah McDuffie. Packers ball.
November 23, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Another 3 for the Packers thanks to McManus. He hits from 40.

Vikings, 6
Packers, 23

4Q | 7:36
November 23, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Donovan Jackson (ankle) is out for the rest of the game. Vikings only make it about three quarters with their full starting offensive line.
November 23, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Blake Brandel's in at left guard for Donovan Jackson, who was banged up on that previous offensive series.
November 23, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Packers tack on another field goal here at the top of the fourth quarter. McManus from 30.

Vikings, 6
Packers, 20

4Q | 12:13
November 23, 2025 at 8:12 PM
End of 3Q: 17-6, Packers.
November 23, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Metellus spent basically the whole time the Vikings offense was on the field in the tent, but he's out on the field now as the defense begins another stand.
November 23, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Back into the blue med tent for Josh Metellus.
November 23, 2025 at 7:53 PM
There's Micah Parsons. Brings McCarthy down for a 7-yard loss on the first snap of the Vikings' drive.
November 23, 2025 at 7:45 PM
As we head into the second half: Vikings have only had three games this season where their RBs have had 20+ combined carries. Season high is 29 against the Bengals with Mason, Zavier Scott and Cam Akers as carriers.

Jones and Mason at 15 combined so far today.
November 23, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Halftime: 10-6, Packers

Vikings RBs have a combined 15 carries for 86 yards, with longs of 22 (Mason) and 13 (Jones). Jefferson leads receiving with three catches on four targets for 41 yards.
November 23, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Reichard clears a 59-yard field goal to give the Vikings a bump before halftime.

Vikings, 6
Packers, 10

2Q | 0:10
November 23, 2025 at 7:17 PM
But after that commotion, Brandon McManus clears the 32-yard field goal for the Packers.

Vikings, 3
Packers, 10

2Q | 2:25
November 23, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Officials confirm Vikings got a timeout called as Ivan Pace seemed to think there were too many guys on the field for the field goal attempt -- but Pace was the 11th man, confirmed by the officials saying so when they announced the timeout.
November 23, 2025 at 7:05 PM