The Minnesota Vikings‘ rough stretch of injury luck continued on Wednesday. After learning that first-round rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the 2024 campaign with a torn meniscus, the Vikings watched as wide receiver Jordan Addison — Minnesota’s 2023 first-rounder — left today’s practice on a cart.
What happened to Addison at the Vikings’ training camp, and what does the rest of the team’s wide receiver depth chart look like?
Injury Update on Vikings WR Jordan Addison
Addison hit the ground after battling for a contested catch at Wednesday’s practice, as The Athletic’s Alec Lewis reported. The second-year pass catcher collided with Cleveland Browns cornerback Cameron Mitchell during today’s joint practice, per Zac Jackson of The Athletic.
Addison appeared to suffer a leg injury on the play. Minnesota’s training staff helped him hobble off the field and onto a cart, which took Addison back to the locker room.
Fortunately, Addison appears to have avoided a serious injury. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said Addison has an ankle injury and is unlikely to practice on Thursday but seemed to be breathing a sigh of relief.
“I think he’s going to be OK,” O’Connell said, according to Matthew Coller of Purple Insider.
The Vikings selected Addison as the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after he posted All-American performances at Pittsburgh and USC.
Addison appeared in all 17 games during his rookie year, leading Minnesota with 10 receiving touchdowns while posting 70 catches for 911 yards on 108 targets.
Addison has been involved in two off-field incidents since entering the league. In July 2023, he was pulled over in St. Paul and cited for speeding after driving 140 mph in a 55 mph zone. Addison, who said he was dealing with a pet emergency, eventually pled guilty to a petty misdemeanor.
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In July 2024, Addison was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of DUI. He was formally charged with two misdemeanors earlier this month. Addison’s arrangement and plea hearing are scheduled for Oct. 7.
The NFL could suspend Addison once his legal proceedings are complete. ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently reported that the Vikings expect Addison to be hit with a ban at some point. However, Minnesota thinks a suspension will come late this season or in 2025.
Minnesota Vikings WR Depth Chart
Justin Jefferson missed seven games with a hamstring injury in 2023 but still finished the season with 1,074 receiving yards. He remains the NFL’s best wideout and should be considered a favorite for first-team All-Pro honors next season.
Addison projects as Minnesota’s WR2. After that duo, the Vikings are relying on a myriad of unproven options.
After a standout training camp performance, former sixth-round pick Jalen Nailor appears to have run away with the club’s WR3 job. Behind Nailor, the Vikings will likely have Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield, and Trishton Jackson on their 53-man roster.
Meanwhile, tight end T.J. Hockenson (ACL, MCL) may not return until midseason, leaving blocking-first Josh Oliver atop the Vikings’ TE room.