The Minnesota Vikings will likely be with out considered one of their high extensive receivers for the beginning of the common season.
On Tuesday, wideout Jordan Addison was suspended with out pay for the season’s first three video games after pleading no contest earlier this offseason to a “moist reckless” cost. He was initially charged with DUI on July 12, 2024 and pleaded not guilty to these counts on Dec. 3, 2024.
In July 2023, he was additionally cited for rushing a reckless driving when going 140 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Throughout his first two seasons, Addison, a 2023 first-round decide (No. 23 total), has 133 receptions, 1,786 receiving yards (13.4 yards per reception) and 19 touchdowns. During that span, solely Cincinnati Bengals extensive receiver Ja’Marr Chase, Tampa Bay Buccaneers extensive receiver Mike Evans and Detroit Lions extensive receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown have extra receiving touchdowns.
His absence is a blow to the Vikings offense, coming into its first season with 2024 first-round decide J.J. McCarthy because the beginning quarterback.
Whereas McCarthy will nonetheless have arguably the NFL’s greatest extensive receiver, Justin Jefferson, to throw to in the course of the season’s first three weeks, Addison’s suspension severely compromises the group’s depth.
Jalen Nailor, a 2022 sixth-rounder, ought to be in line for a rise in taking part in time. Final season, he performed a career-high 51 p.c of his out there offensive snaps, by way of Pro Football Reference.
Offseason free-agent signings Rondale Moore and Tim Jones, 2025 third-round decide Tai Felton and undrafted free brokers Fortunate Jackson and Silas Bolden is also compelled into extra outstanding roles.
Final season, Moore missed all the 12 months after struggling a training-camp knee damage with the Atlanta Falcons, whereas Jones had simply three receptions on 5 targets for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Felton and Bolden are rookies and may not be prepared for heavy workloads, whereas Jackson is probably having the perfect coaching camp of the group, just lately making spectacular performs on back-to-back days.
No matter who takes Addison’s snaps, the Vikings offense will not be at full energy to start the season. Opponents will be capable to focus their consideration on Jefferson with double-teams and pressure Minnesota’s unproven secondary and tertiary choices to beat them.
It isn’t an excellent set of circumstances for McCarthy as he preps for his regular-season debut, however the Vikings haven’t any different alternative than to make it work.
