The Minnesota Vikings have felt the absence of Jordan Addison over their first three games, but the wideout was finally back on the field for Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Addison served a three-game suspension from the NFL, and he made his season debut last week. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons behind his suspension.
Breaking Down Jordan Addison’s Three-Game NFL Suspension
Addison, who has spent the past two seasons as the Vikings’ No. 2 receiver, was charged with a DUI citation in 2024. However, he pleaded guilty to a lesser offense on July 17, referred to by his attorney as “wet reckless.” That is legal slang for reckless driving while alcohol is involved. He paid a fine and is required to complete two online courses, expecting his probation to be terminated after six months.
This decision came after Addison voluntarily participated in MADD events and programs, according to his attorney, acknowledging the seriousness of his actions. The NFL ultimately suspended Addison for the first three games of the 2025 season for violating the league’s policy on substances of abuse.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson was also suspended three games for a similar incident, as the CBA states players face a three-game suspension for a DUI. Consequently, Addison missed the Vikings’ wins over the Bears and Bengals, and the loss to the Falcons. Now, he’s eager to return, marking his first international game.
“My first game back going overseas,” Addison said. “It don’t get no better than that….I’m going to get right back in and get it going.”
Head coach Kevin O’Connell was equally pumped to have the team’s second-best receiver back on the field.
“It’s phenomenal to get him back,” O’Connell said. “We’ve had to kind of weather the storm a little bit early on. He has been able to be in the building and be in meetings to stay sharp mentally. Now it’ll just be getting him a full week of work.”
In his first game of the season, Addison finished with four receptions for 114 yards on eight targets as the Vikings lost 24-21 against the Steelers.
Addison has been productive in his first two seasons, recording 63 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024, along with a rushing touchdown. As a rookie, he totaled 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. His presence should give a significant boost to the Vikings’ passing attack against the Browns in Week 5.
Based on PFSN’s Offense Impact metric, the Vikings’ offense is 26th-best in the league heading into Week 5.
