Emily Leiker
Sports Reporter
Emily Leiker covers the Vikings for the Minnesota Star Tribune. She was previously the Syracuse football beat writer for Syracuse.com & The Post-Standard, covering everything from bowl games to coaching changes and even a player-filed lawsuit against SU. Emily graduated from Mizzou in 2022 is originally from Washington state.
Latest from Emily Leiker
‘Bruiser’ Jordan Mason lands more than a few blows for the Vikings against the Bengals
Mason, the running back the Vikings traded for in March, scored two touchdowns and recorded the team’s first 100-yard rushing performance of the season.
September 22, 2025
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson says ‘it’s always extra’ when he faces Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase
Jefferson and Chase, college teammates at LSU, were the league’s top two receivers in yardage last season.
September 19, 2025
Van Ginkel, Darrisaw taking measured steps to return to Vikings' lineup
The Vikings' injury report still sits at 12 players, but there have been positive signs for left tackle Christian Darrisaw and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.
September 18, 2025
Vikings plan to put running back Aaron Jones on injured reserve
A day after quarterback J.J. McCarthy was sidelined with an ankle injury, the Vikings lost starting running back Aaron Jones for at least four games because of a hamstring strain suffered against the Falcons.
September 16, 2025
Vikings' opponent Sunday will lean on backup quarterback, too
The Bengals are expected to start Jake Browning, who spent three years with the Vikings, in place of the injured Joe Burrow while Carson Wentz steps up for the Vikings.
September 16, 2025
Vikings learn a valuable lesson early: ‘You gotta be greedy’
After a Week 2 loss to the Falcons, Vikings players look for bright spots and focus on the need to execute each snap.
September 16, 2025
Advertisement
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy welcomes first child, then has ‘great’ practice
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, who has four kids, praised McCarthy’s return in a “kind of fast Friday practice” following the birth of his son, Rome, on Thursday.
September 12, 2025
Up next for the Vikings: Another QB from the 2024 draft
With the Falcons and Michael Penix Jr. visiting U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday night, it’s the second straight game the Vikings face a quarterback from the same draft class as J.J. McCarthy.
September 12, 2025
Vikings' Cashman expected to miss time with hamstring injury
The Vikings defense did not make it out of Chicago unscathed: Linebacker Blake Cashman exited Monday night’s game with a hamstring injury while outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and cornerback Jeff Okudah are in the concussion protocol.
September 10, 2025
Mason, Jones prove to be a handful in Vikings' backfield
Jones hauled in a long touchdown pass, and Mason was the ‘bruiser’ in the run game. Was a template set for the season?
September 9, 2025
Vikings injury report: Safety Harrison Smith downgraded to out for Monday’s game
The Vikings approach their 2025 season opener Monday with questions about left tackle Christian Darrisaw while the Bears may be without top cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
September 7, 2025
Understanding McCarthy’s aura: Gen Z guide to Vikings’ new QB
In his vocabulary, references and interests, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the youngest starting quarterback in the NFL at 22, is an unusual mix of a Gen Zer and an old soul.
September 6, 2025
Advertisement
Advertisement