Vikings Optimistic to Have a 3-Headed Monster in Week 1
The Minnesota Vikings have made the move to acquire Adam Thielen for the upcoming season after his two-year stint with the Carolina Panthers. That trade was pulled off in part because Jordan Addison will be sidelined for three games, and Jalen Nailor suffered a hand injury in joint practices a couple of weeks ago.
Vikings Optimistic to Have a 3-Headed Monster in Week 1
Nailor’s injury status was ambiguous for some time, but the update arrived on Sunday via ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who tweeted, “The #Vikings are optimistic about wide receiver Jalen Nailor (hand) playing Week 1 vs. Chicago barring a setback, per sources. Minnesota envisions a key role for Nailor, especially with Jordan Addison out via suspension.”
The fourth-year receiver is at his best when he’s used as a deep threat with the opportunity to showcase his speed. He had his breakout campaign in 2024, finally emerging as a WR3 option, but injuries have been a constant problem for the Michigan State alumnus.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote, “Nailor injured his left hand Aug. 14 during training camp and has not been seen on the field since. At the time, coach Kevin O’Connell classified Nailor’s injury as ‘week-to-week.’ Nailor’s absence, along with the three-game suspension of receiver Jordan Addison, helped spur the Vikings to acquire receiver Adam Thielen via trade.”
With Thielen now in the mix, the Vikings don’t have to solely rely on Nailor to be Justin Jefferson’s primary wingman in Weeks 1 through 3. Instead, they can use him on the outside as a deep threat and Thielen on the inside as a chains mover.
“Thielen is likely to play a prominent role, and potentially start, alongside Justin Jefferson against the Bears,” Seifert added. “Nailor’s availability would give the Vikings a reliable set of veterans for their three-receiver sets.”
Indeed, the Vikings should now have a solid trio to start the year and an outstanding group once Addison returns. Behind the top four, the squad includes rookies Tai Felton and Myles Price, who are primed to contribute to special teams rather than on offense, given the competition at WR.
Nailor, a 2022 sixth-rounder, had a sweet breakout game versus the Packers in his rookie season as the lone bright spot in an otherwise horrendous outing of Kevin O’Connell’s squad. Multiple injuries prevented him from making much of an impact in 2023, but he bounced back in 2024, taking over the WR3 duties from K.J. Osborn.
When Addison missed some time with an ankle injury early in the season, Nailor caught a touchdown in three straight games and he logged 28 catches for 414 yards and six touchdowns all year.
He’s now in the final year of his rookie contract and certainly wants to cash in next offseason in free agency. To achieve that, he needs a big 2025 campaign, but Thielen’s addition might have ended those dreams.
The good news for a speedster like Nailor is that he can rack up yards pretty easily by streaking down the field and catching deep bombs. If he does that job well, there will be suitors next March.
Nailor will turn 27 next March.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.