Michael Pierce
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn (17) makes the game-winning catch against Carolina Panthers safety Sean Chandler (34) during overtime of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. The Minnesota Vikings won 34-28. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Osborn giving Vikings' offense much-needed extra dimension

By Dave Campbell Oct. 18, 2021 04:42 PM EDT

Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison runs from Detroit Lions safety Will Harris, left, during a 15-yard touchdown reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Vikings survive Lions rally 19-17 on Joseph FG at final gun

By Dave Campbell Oct. 10, 2021 04:38 PM EDT

FILE - Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) drops into coverage against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, in this Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, file photo. Finally, this appears to be the week the Minnesota Vikings will have Anthony Barr back on the field. Injuries have kept the four-time Pro Bowl linebacker out for the last 18 games. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth, File)
Vikings' Barr finally back; knee injury brought 'down days'

By Dave Campbell Oct. 06, 2021 07:22 PM EDT

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) scores on a 1-yard touchdown run ahead of Minnesota Vikings free safety Xavier Woods (23) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
On the run: Bulked-up Vikings 'D' still vulnerable on ground

By Dave Campbell Oct. 04, 2021 03:33 PM EDT

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws during warm ups prior to an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
NFL Today, Week 4

By The Associated Press Oct. 03, 2021 09:44 PM EDT

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Garoppolo injures calf; Montgomery hurts knee

By The Associated Press Oct. 03, 2021 07:52 PM EDT

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws under pressure from Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) in the first half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
With extra-confident Cousins, Vikings prep for potent Browns

By Dave Campbell Sep. 30, 2021 06:06 PM EDT

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) celebrates after a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings 9/26/2021

Sep. 26, 2021 04:49 PM EDT

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer talks with an official in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Flagged for inauspicious activity: Vikes dogged by penalties

By Dave Campbell Sep. 13, 2021 06:33 PM EDT

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Healthy again, Burrow leads Bengals against Vikings

By Mitch Stacy Sep. 09, 2021 02:20 PM EDT

FILE - Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) signals teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Minneapolis, in this Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, file photo. The Minnesota Vikings are bringing back defensive end Everson Griffen, now the fourth player on defense to rejoin the team this year after time away with another team. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File)
Vikings hope family reunion on defense sparks resurgence

By Dave Campbell Sep. 06, 2021 04:05 PM EDT

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
With last-chance vibe, Vikes aim to overcome early setbacks

By Dave Campbell Sep. 01, 2021 08:29 PM EDT

Pressure's on Zimmer, Vikings, looking to lean on restored D

By The Associated Press Sep. 01, 2021 03:45 PM EDT
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (7-9) New faces: DT Dalvin Tomlinson, DT Michael Pierce, CB Patrick Peterson, CB Bashaud Breeland, TE Chris Herndon, K...

FILE - Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) signals teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Minneapolis, in this Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, file photo. The Minnesota Vikings are bringing back defensive end Everson Griffen, now the fourth player on defense to rejoin the team this year after time away with another team. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File)
Vikings bring back 4-time Pro Bowl pick Griffen as backup DE

By Dave Campbell Aug. 23, 2021 03:37 PM EDT

Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, left, listens to wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) during NFL football training camp Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Eagan, Minn. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Buoyed by experienced 'D,' Zimmer exudes unfamiliar optimism

By Dave Campbell Jul. 29, 2021 07:28 PM EDT

FILE - In this June 16, 2021, file photo, Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer walks through the field during NFL football practice in Eagan, Minn. The Vikings and assistant coach Rick Dennison have found a solution for him to remain with the club despite his unvaccinated status. The 63-year-old Dennison will take a role as senior offensive advisor. He'll do all of his collaboration with the staff virtually. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)
Vikings reassign unvaccinated coach Dennison to advisor role

By Dave Campbell Jul. 27, 2021 02:30 PM EDT

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter runs through a drill during NFL football minicamp practice Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in Eagan, Minn. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Back from neck injury, grateful Hunter excited about Vikes D

By Dave Campbell Jun. 16, 2021 06:26 PM EDT

File-This Oct. 31, 2020, file photo shows Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) rushing the quarterback during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State in Ann Arbor, Mich. Paye is one of the top edge rushers in this year’s draft who could entice the Vikings with the No. 14 overall pick. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
With needs on both lines, Vikes have draft-pick limitations

By Dave Campbell Apr. 23, 2021 04:27 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, file photo, Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce (97) celebrates his fumble recovery with linebacker Tyus Bowser (54) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Baltimore. After opting out of the 2020 season due to health concerns around COVID-19, Michael Pierce has returned to the Minnesota Vikings, eager to establish himself at a nose tackle position in need of help. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
Vikes' Pierce had regrets about opt-out, but made most of it

By Dave Campbell Apr. 14, 2021 08:57 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, file photo, New York Giants nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson looks on against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL football game, in Seattle. In a deal announced late Monday, March 15, 2021, the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a contract with former New York Giants defensive tackle Tomlinson. (AP Photo/Larry Maurer, File)
'Our big prize': Vikes laud Tomlinson's size, skill, smarts

By Dave Campbell Mar. 18, 2021 06:00 PM EDT