The Minnesota Vikings might be without their top two receivers when they face the Saints this Sunday, and that’s a huge curveball coming into the weekend. Both Justin Jefferson (ankle) and Jordan Addison (hamstring) have been listed as questionable, which is just brutal news for any offense.
Injuries Piling Up for the Vikings’ Pass Catchers
Jefferson has been dealing with that ankle all week, getting limited reps in practice. Addison’s hamstring kept him completely out on Wednesday, though he did manage to get limited work on Thursday and Friday. You just hate to see your playmakers banged up like this, especially when you’re gearing up for a big game. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said Friday, “We’re still working through kind of what that looks like… Obviously with Justin and Jordan, obviously we’ll have to make that determination tomorrow based upon what it looks like for Sunday.” He added that they’ve prepped “the whole receivers room” for “just about anything,” which tells you everything about the uncertainty right now.
It’s not just the receivers either. The Vikings are also going to be without offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (concussion) and cornerback Charles Demmings (hamstring), both of whom are out. Plus, offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (knee), center Michael Jurgens (elbow), and tight end Ben Yurosek (ankle) are all questionable for Sunday. Punter Brett Thorson’s hamstring situation is also up in the air. That’s a lot of key guys potentially missing or playing hobbled.
What’s the Backup Plan if Jefferson and Addison Can’t Go?
With Jefferson and Addison’s status up in the air, there’s a real possibility we could see Odell Beckham Jr. elevated from the practice squad. He just signed there this week, so he’s fresh, and the team might need him if their starters can’t suit up. However, O’Connell’s comments suggest that if Jefferson and Addison *can* play, Beckham likely won’t see the field. It’s a real wait-and-see situation that’s gonna keep fans guessing right up until game time.
It’s gonna be wild to see how this all shakes out before kickoff on Sunday. The coaching staff has to be pulling their hair out figuring out the game plan with so many question marks. Who steps up if Jefferson and Addison are sidelined? That’s the biggest question looming over this Saints matchup.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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