The NFL regular season is 48 hours away, which means football fans and fantasy managers are paying extra close attention to various injuries around the league. What’s the latest on Minnesota Vikings WR Jordan Addison’s health, his potential suspension, and what can fantasy managers expect from him?
The Latest on Jordan Addison’s Health
The Vikings had a tough August, but it appears that Jordan Addison avoided disaster with his ankle injury that resulted in him being carted off the practice field. Addison was leaping for a contest catch and it appears the Vikings carted him off just to be cautious.
Recently, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said that Addison is fine. Fantasy managers shouldn’t worry about Addison’s Week 1 availability.
More concerning is Addison’s potential suspension stemming from his July arrest for suspicion of DUI. He was charged with two misdemeanors, and his arrangement and plea hearing are scheduled for Oct. 7. Per the NFL’s substance abuse policy, Addison could face a three-game suspension.
Addison’s Fantasy Outlook
Addison finished his rookie year with 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning a WR23 overall finish. This performance was notable given the Vikings’ quarterback instability after losing Kirk Cousins in Week 8.
Addison’s 10 receiving touchdowns on 108 targets is an extraordinary rate, especially for a receiver of his size (5’11”, 175 pounds). Only six receivers have achieved double-digit touchdowns with fewer than 110 targets since 2019, mostly larger, contested-catch specialists.
Addison’s touchdown rate and production may be difficult to sustain, especially with a downgrade at quarterback to Sam Darnold this season. The presence of Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson also adds to the uncertainty surrounding his 2024 outlook.
Addison’s production dipped when Jefferson was on the field, averaging just three receptions for 47 yards per game. In four of those 10 games, Addison scored fewer than six fantasy points in full-PPR formats.
Addison was involved in an alleged DUI incident earlier this year, which could lead to a suspension and impact his availability for part of the season.
While Addison proved he could be a productive complementary piece, the unknowns surrounding Darnold’s effectiveness, Jefferson’s dominance, and Hockenson’s role make Addison a potentially volatile WR3 heading into 2024.
Despite his strong rookie year, Addison’s ADP of WR40 suggests fantasy managers are cautious. He’s being drafted behind Hollywood Brown and just ahead of Xavier Worthy in the eighth round, reflecting concerns about his touchdown regression and quarterback situation.
Addison has the talent to build on his rookie year, but the volatility of his situation makes him a risky pick. If you’re comfortable with the uncertainty, Addison could offer upside, but he also carries significant risk as a WR3 in 2024.