Hidden Boost Puts Vikings in Even Better Shape for Week 4
The Minnesota Vikings are 2-1. That start was not perfect, but it’s still a positive outcome considering the offensive struggles for the most part in the first two games of the season. Kevin O’Connell’s offense will face a strong Pittsburgh defense next, and they will get a sweet reinforcement ahead of that game.
Hidden Boost Puts Vikings in Even Better Shape for Week 4
In case you’ve forgotten, wideout Jordan Addison is set to return after his three-week stint on the sideline due to a suspension stemming from a 2024 car-related incident.
That’s now in the metaphorical rearview mirror, and the dynamic weapon can rejoin his squad. The Vikings’ receiving leader is Justin Jefferson with 12 catches for 200 yards and a touchdown. T.J. Hockenson has nine catches for 76 yards and a score, while Jalen Nailor has caught seven passes for 96 yards. Nobody else has been much of a factor in the passing game, aside from one touchdown caught by Aaron Jones in Week 1.
Adam Thielen has been a valuable asset as a blocker, but as a receiver, his three games following the return were quite disappointing, with only two catches in total. Nailor has shown promise, but he’s still more of a WR3 than a WR2. Addison will fill that void and provide the passer with another excellent target to throw to.
The 23-year-old was explicitly drafted to step into that WR2 role to become JJets’ wingman, and he has been excellent in that role with nearly 1,800 yards and 19 touchdowns in his first two seasons.
Early in his career, he snatched the WR2 gig from K.J. Osborn and was even asked to become the primary outside option during his rookie season when Jefferson was out with a hamstring injury. Last year, Addison missed a couple of games early in the season due to an ankle injury, which explains why his total numbers slightly dipped.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote about Addison this summer, “Addison pleaded no contest July 17 to a lesser charge to resolve a 2024 DUI citation. The plea agreement — a charge of wet reckless driving on a highway — made him subject to NFL discipline, as it acknowledges the use of alcohol in a driving incident. He agreed to pay a $390 fine and received 12 months of probation, which agent Tim Younger said could be cut in half if he completes two online courses.”
That was his second driving-related issue within a year, and the Vikings might want to monitor their speedy pass-catcher in July, the month both incidents occurred. Fortunately, there has not been any mishap in 2025. While those annoying off-field items cause some headaches and are unacceptable, he’s been a fantastic football player on the field.
In training camp, Addison was a superstar for the Vikings. Unfortunately, they won’t be able to take advantage of the great connection between him and J.J. McCarthy because the passer is hurt. Instead, he has to familiarize himself with Carson Wentz rather quickly.
Regardless, he is a playmaker, one who can score at any point in the game, and his ability to come down with contested catches is absurd considering his size limitations. That skillset forces defenses to either give him some respect or he can fry them if they focus too much on Jefferson.
Either way, the Vikings’ offense will benefit from having the standout receiver on the field on Sunday in Ireland.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.