WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • Jordan Addison is not expected to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints because of hamstring soreness.
  • Justin Jefferson is likely to play through the ankle injury he suffered against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3.
  • Minnesota elevated Odell Beckham Jr. from the practice squad as a precaution in case Jefferson or Addison could not play.
  • Beckham already understands Kevin O’Connell’s offense after playing in it with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.

The Minnesota Vikings are dealing with another injury concern at wide receiver before their Week 5 matchup with the New Orleans Saints. Jordan Addison is not expected to play Sunday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Addison appeared on the injury report early in the week because of hamstring soreness, as Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell described it. Minnesota now appears likely to enter the game without one of its top pass catchers.

The news is a setback for an offense that has dealt with receiver injuries throughout the season. However, the situation is not viewed as catastrophic because Justin Jefferson is likely to remain available.

Jefferson is likely to play through the ankle injury he suffered against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3. His presence would provide a massive benefit as Minnesota attempts to get a win against New Orleans.

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Losing one starting receiver becomes easier to absorb when Jefferson is still expected to be on the field. Addison’s likely absence still hurts, but it does not completely change what O’Connell’s offense can do against the Saints.

The Vikings also made a precautionary move earlier in the week by elevating Odell Beckham Jr. from the practice squad for the game. That move was made specifically in case Jefferson or Addison could not play through their injuries.

What Beckham can provide remains open to interpretation. He is in his 30s and has not been able to remain with a team or make a huge impact since 2023.

Even during that 2023 season, Beckham recorded less than 600 yards for the Baltimore Ravens. Asking him to reproduce Addison’s production would place substantial expectations on a receiver whose recent impact has been limited.

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Beckham does bring familiarity that another available receiver might not possess. He already understands O’Connell’s offense after playing in it with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.

That experience could benefit Minnesota if Beckham is needed against New Orleans. A typical street free agent would have to arrive and quickly learn the offense, but Beckham does not face the same learning curve.

His knowledge of the terminology and timing within the passing game could allow the coaching staff to trust him to be in the correct position. That does not guarantee Beckham will receive a significant role Sunday.

Still, his familiarity gives Minnesota a safety net it otherwise would not have. The Vikings have an experienced option who already understands the system if the coaching staff calls upon him.

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