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Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about safety Harrison Smith's absence and how that has affected the defense, running back Cam Akers' annual return to Minnesota, the philosophies of Kevin O'Connell's offense, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' pivot to quarterback Carson Wentz, who joined the team Aug. 24, amid quarterback J.J. McCarthy's ankle injury. What to expect from Wentz against the Bengals on Sunday? Who will be protecting Wentz along the offensive line? And what do history lessons tell us about what this season could become?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Vikings lost the home opener, 22-6, to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. What to make of the listless showing from quarterback J.J. McCarthy and company? What about the mounting injuries and unrelenting pressure in the pocket? What to make of the defensive showing? Where do they go from here?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about linebacker Blake Cashman's absence, the pass rush matchup versus the Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. on Sunday night, receiver Adam Thielen's role, and more ahead of Vikings-Falcons.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday night's Vikings-Falcons matchup that will bring intrigue on both sides of the ball. They discuss the issues and ailments to key defenders like Blake Cashman, Andrew Van Ginkel and Harrison Smith, the 2024 draft class with J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins returning, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 27-24 win after returning from Chicago, where quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a historic fourth quarter in his NFL debut. What did teammates and coaches say about McCarthy afterward? What went wrong in the first three quarters? When is Christian Darrisaw coming back? They also discuss the running back split, Javon Hargrave's presence, and a dynamic new punt returner in Myles Price.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-related questions about receiver Adam Thielen, the cornerback depth chart, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, and the latest on ailments for safety Harrison Smith and tackle Christian Darrisaw.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Monday night's season opener in Chicago, where Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will return to face his hometown team in his first NFL start. How will he manage the emotions? How will the Vikings manage him? And what should be expected in the matchup of makeovers between the Vikings defense and the Bears offense under new coach Ben Johnson?

From the Star Tribune booth at the Minnesota State Fair, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss Adam Thielen returning to the Vikings, the initial 53-man roster, remaining work to do, and how the young J.J. McCarthy is set up to fare in the NFC North.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker break down the Vikings' recent flurry of moves that included trading quarterback Sam Howell to the Eagles and signing free agent veteran Carson Wentz as their new backup. They discuss the Vikings' many ties to Wentz, including QBs coach Josh McCown and center Ryan Kelly, that may help explain the move. They also get into a potential trade for receiver Adam Thielen and the recent trade that sent Harrison Phillips to the Jets.