Will there be big defensive plays for the Vikings to celebrate against the Chargers?

— Elizabeth Flores, Star Tribune

Vikings vs. Chargers: Watching and following the game

September 23, 2023 - 8:36 AM

See the Star Tribune's coverage highlights and other facts to fully follow the game.

Vikings-Chargers inactives: Center Garrett Bradbury misses second game with back injury

Vikings center Garrett Bradbury has been out since injuring his back on the seventh snap of the Sept. 10 season opener against the Buccaneers.

September 24, 2023 - 10:48 AM

Edge rusher Marcus Davenport was ruled out due to an ankle injury that was called "unique" by head coach Kevin O'Connell.

Vikings-Chargers game pits close friends in desperate need of a win

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, left, and Chargers coach Brandon Staley spent one season together with the Rams but each left regarding the other as one of his best friends.

— ANTHONY SOUFFLE, Star Tribune; Kyusung Gong, Associated Press

September 22, 2023 - 6:44 PM

On Sunday, Kevin O'Connell and Brandon Staley will coach against each other for the first time since becoming close friends on the Rams staff.

Ben Goessling's Vikings vs. Chargers preview and prediction: Expect offenses to have a big day

Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, right, finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting in the 2020 season to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

— STAR TRIBUNE ILLUSTRATION. ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS

September 22, 2023 - 6:10 PM

A matchup of 0-2 teams has a sense of urgency as close friends Kevin O'Connell and Brandon Staley square off.

When the hate hits on social media, Vikings players face difficult decision

Running back Alexander Mattison received a slew of racist messages on social media after the Vikings’ Week 2 loss in Philadelphia, later sharing and condemning them.

— Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

September 23, 2023 - 11:25 PM

Alexander Mattison gave us a powerful reminder that players hear everything — good, bad, ugly — from fans on social media. Deciding whether to stay online or log off is a decision involving mental health, financial opportunity, fan connections and more.

Vikings went shopping this week to try to fix their biggest problems

Coach Kevin O’Connell and Kirk Cousins know that just bringing in new players won’t fix what’s troubled the Vikings so far this season.

— Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

September 22, 2023 - 5:53 AM

The Vikings added an offensive lineman and a running back for their faltering rushing attack and bought "every piece of equipment" to help solve their turnover problems.

Kirk Cousins, Justin Herbert and two questions: Who's better? Who's headed for big trouble?

Perceptions don’t match reality for Justin Herbert, left, and Kirk Cousins.

— Associated Press photos

September 23, 2023 - 2:59 PM

The numbers defy perception for the quarterbacks of the Vikings and Chargers. One of them will walk off the field Sunday with an 0-3 record.