The Wingman Is Set to Take Off
The Minnesota Vikings have featured an impressive passing attack in the first three games of the season despite dealing with some injury problems. Star tight end T.J. Hockenson is still rehabbing his knee injury suffered late in the 2023 season. Justin Jefferson was sidelined for more than a quarter with a quad bruise, and Jordan Addison missed the last two games due to an ankle injury.
The Wingman Is Set to Take Off
But it’s time for some good news. Sophomore receiver Addison will return to the field on Sunday when the Vikings have their annual road game at Lambeau Field.
The Green Bay Packers, who might be without top cornerback Jaire Alexander (he didn’t practice on Friday), will face a healthy duo of Jefferson and Addison.
Tom Pelissero tweeted on Friday: “Vikings WR Jordan Addison (ankle) is off the injury report and good to go Sunday at Green Bay.”
Addison is a key component of the offense. Defenses regularly allocate their resources in Jefferson’s area, trying to stop the league’s best receiver. He might still shred them because he is simply too good, but whenever he doesn’t, his teammates need to step up and punish that lack of attention thrown their way.
In his rookie season, Addison caught 70 passes for 911 yards and ten touchdowns. Kirk Cousins targeted him as a deep threat early in the season, with great success. But when Jefferson got hurt five weeks into Addison’s debut campaign, the Vikings had to push their rookie into the WR1 spot, and he didn’t disappoint, keeping the offense alive.
During his two-game absence, 2022 sixth-rounder Jalen Nailor had a comparable emergence, catching seven passes for 106 yards and three scores. Because of his play, Vikings fans can realistically hope for a three-headed monster, and with Hockenson’s looming return, Sam Darnold’s arsenal could be one of the best in the business if healthy.
Addison’s play on the field has been excellent, but off the field, not so much. After his speeding ticket in the 2023 offseason, he promised growth. A second driving-related issue in July of 2024 raised some serious concerns. The court hearing for his alleged DUI is scheduled for October 7th. A conviction will likely cost him some more games because of a suspension, either later this season or early in 2025.
Also, a trio was left off the final injury report. Quarterback Darnold, who suffered a knee injury against the Texans in a scary moment, will be ready for Week 4. His MRI on Monday didn’t reveal any structural damage.
Rookie first-rounder Dallas Turner missed his first career game last week following a knee injury from the 49ers game. He is good to go, just like left tackle Christian Darrisaw, whose illness kept him off the practice field on Thursday.
The only player who has been ruled out is linebacker Ivan Pace. He will miss his second consecutive game. Kamu Grigier-Hill replaced him versus the Texans and played quite well in his spot.
Green Bay, meanwhile, will likely get Jordan Love back after his two-week absence. Offensive lineman Jordan Morgan was ruled out, and cornerback Carrington Valentine is doubtful. Jaire Alexander is listed as questionable.
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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