The Minnesota Vikings left MetLife Stadium with a win on Sunday.
Jordan Addison, their standout No. 2 receiver who led the team in touchdowns last season, left the building with an injured ankle.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell took to the podium on Monday at the team’s practice facility and addressed the injury to Addison, including his thoughts on receivers who will be asked to step up should Addison miss time.
Here is the latest on Addison’s injury and the Vikings’ plan for Week 2.
Jordan Addison’s Injury Status Heading Into Week 2
The Vikings’ head coach spoke in mostly vague terms on Monday when addressing the injury to one of his team’s top offensive weapons. Although Addison will clearly be limited in what he can do physically on the field, O’Connell did not rule him out of practices or next Sunday’s game.
“He’s got pretty significant soreness,” O’Connell said on Monday. “Getting some treatment today. We’ll see how it goes. He’s responded in the past pretty quickly with a similar injury.”
“Still hopeful that Jordan will have a chance this week. But we’ll be smart with him knowing it’s a long season and how important he is to our offense.”
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell on WR Jordan Addison: “He’s got pretty significant soreness … We’ll just see. … Still hopeful he’ll have a chance this week, but we’ll be smart with him.” pic.twitter.com/yqdJo40xga
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 9, 2024
Addison injured his left ankle during a joint practice with the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 14. After an extended absence from practice, Addison returned to action last Monday and was able to play in Sunday’s season opener.
This latest injury is to Addison’s right ankle. It happened in the third quarter of Sunday’s season-opening 28-6 win over the New York Giants. Prior to exiting the game due to the injury, Addison hauled in three catches for 35 yards.
Kevin O’Connell Tabs Jalen Nailor as Likely Replacement
Addison’s injury comes at a time when the passing attack is already missing another top target in tight end T.J. Hockenson, who injured his knee last Dec. 24 and remains on short-term injured reserve. There are multiple options for the Vikings when it comes to replacing the target share typically afforded to Addison and Hockenson.
Only moments after Addison left Sunday’s game, his replacement, Jalen Nailor, scored on a 21-yard reception from Sam Darnold. It was the only time Nailor was targeted in the game. Other receivers who logged snaps on Sunday were Brandon Powell (30) and Trent Sherfield, Jr. (17). Neither was targeted by Darnold in the game.
Based on results in training camp and the preseason in addition to what O’Connell indicated on Monday, there’s a good chance the first option to serve as Addison’s replacement will be Nailor. ‘Speedy’, Nailor’s nickname, is coming off an impressive spring and summer. He was a training camp standout and is someone who frequently garners praise from O’Connell.
“Jordan, at the very most, will be limited. I know Jordan will be ready to go if we can get him out there,” O’Connell commented on Monday. “But I’m going to tell Speedy to prepare as if you’re going to be playing a lot more. A lot more snaps. A lot more first and second down, early-down snaps because that’s why he’s here.
“A ton of confidence in him to go be an every-down receiver for us.”
What To Expect in Week 2 vs. San Francisco
The injury to Addison isn’t the only wrinkle in the Vikings’ upcoming week.
The San Francisco 49ers, whom the Vikings will prepare to host next Sunday, haven’t played their Week 1 game yet. They host the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.
The operational challenge of not having the most recent tape on your opponent more than 24 hours after your most recent game is nothing new, but it’s a unique component nonetheless of the Vikings’ preparation this week.
The good news for O’Connell is his team put forth an exceptional effort and result in Week 1, which is a good building block in the early stages of the 2024 season, the Vikings’ third under O’Connell as head coach.
Looking forward to keep building this season 🙌 pic.twitter.com/vQyilbQTUS
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 9, 2024