Dinged-Up Viking Declares Himself Good to Go
The Minnesota Vikings have drawn the matchup against the New York Giants in Week 1. It will be the franchise’s first meeting since the 2022 playoffs when the Giants, under the guidance of up-and-down quarterback Daniel Jones, eliminated the 13-4 Vikings in their living room. Roughly 20 months later, the two clubs are 0-0, and both teams hope to claim the first victory of the season.
Dinged-Up Viking Declares Himself Good to Go
In that matchup, Justin Jefferson was constantly double-teamed, and tight end T.J. Hockenson feasted in the middle of the field, having one of his best days in his Vikings career. But it wasn’t enough; the Vikings lacked a second outside threat (and a defense).
That additional weapon joined the receiving room three months later when Kwesi Adofo-Mensah pulled the trigger, bringing Jordan Addison to the Twin Cities.
Addison has been an excellent addition to Kevin O’Connell’s pass-heavy offense. The problem? Addison suffered a sprained ankle in the joint practices with the Cleveland Browns three weeks ago. On Wednesday, he was listed as a limited participant in practice. The Vikings repeated that declaration on Thursday, one day before drawing the official and likely questionable tag.
With the game three days away, Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling tweeted: “Vikings’ injury report is the same on Thursday as it was Wednesday. Jordan Addison said in the locker room he’ll be ready for Sunday.”
One day earlier, on Wednesday, head coach O’Connell expressed: “He’s doing better. He was limited on Monday and moved around quite well,” O’Connell commented. “He’ll do a little more today, and then we’d like to kind progress him, hopefully, to full by the end of the week. I think Jordan’s in a good spot, and I feel pretty good about him making the game.”
Addison’s presence is vital for Minnesota’s passing attack, with Hockenson missing at least the first four games on the PUP list while he’s still recovering from his Week 16 knee injury. Besides Jefferson, the Vikings would have to rely on depth receivers Jalen Nailor, Trishton Jackson, Brandon Powell, and tight end Johnny Mundt, with Addison joining Hockenson on the sidelines.
The former USC and Pittsburgh standout had an impressive rookie season, catching 70 passes, ten touchdowns, and 911 yards. He started the year as a deep threat, catching a bomb from Kirk Cousins almost weekly.
When a hamstring injury forced Jefferson to miss seven games, Addison had to step into a more significant role as a target for Cousins and the following QB carousel. Despite sometimes struggling with physical coverage, his overall game met the sky-high expectations.
Addison shined in training camp before suffering his ankle injury, connecting with new quarterback Sam Darnold regularly. In July, he made the news with an arrest for suspicion of DUI. He has not yet received a punishment from the league. His court date is October 7.
A conviction would likely lead to a suspension ‒ missing three games is a realistic outcome, although that might not happen until next season.
If indeed healthy, Jefferson and his wingman Addison will face an underwhelming Giants cornerback room. Elevating Darnold in perhaps his final chance as a starter in the NFL is key for the Vikings.
Addison, 22, has been fantastic whenever he’s been on the field, and he seems to be trending towards logging his 18th career game on Sunday.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt