EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings face significant uncertainty on offense ahead of Sunday’s road matchup against the New Orleans Saints, listing star wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as questionable.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced the designations Friday, indicating that decisions regarding the availability of both receivers will come down to game day. Jefferson has been recovering from an ankle sprain suffered Sept. 27 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which sidelined him for last week’s contest against Miami. Addison is managing a mild hamstring strain suffered in that same game.
Jefferson took part in practice on a limited basis throughout the week, while Addison sat out Wednesday before logging limited sessions on Thursday and Friday, according to the team’s injury report.
“He progressed throughout the week,” O’Connell told reporters regarding Jefferson, as reported by BringMeTheSports. “So much of it is just how he feels after getting some work today. We still have quite a bit of time between rest of today, tomorrow, and obviously into gameday to make that determination, based upon what’s best for our football team and Justin.”
Offensive line hit hard by injuries
Beyond the receiving corps, Minnesota enters Week 5 dealing with severe thinning along its offensive line. The team ruled out starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol following an injury against Miami. O’Connell stated Darrisaw has made steady progress and is expected back following Minnesota’s upcoming Week 6 bye.
The Vikings will also be without starting left guard Donovan Jackson, who is likely to miss the remainder of the regular season due to a torn meniscus. Second-year lineman Joe Huber will take Jackson’s place, while veteran backup Ryan Van Demark makes his seventh career start at left tackle in place of Darrisaw, BringMeTheSports reported.
Starting right tackle Brian O’Neill is also listed as questionable with a knee injury that kept him limited in practice all week. If O’Neill cannot dress, rookie third-round pick Caleb Tiernan could make his first NFL start. Protecting the pocket will be critical against a New Orleans front featuring pass rusher Chase Young, who has amassed 13.5 sacks across his previous 15 appearances.
Roster decisions and Saints updates
The Vikings have additional options at wide receiver, including active roster members Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton and Myles Price. Minnesota also signed veteran wideout Odell Beckham Jr. to its practice squad this week, and O’Connell said the team could elevate Beckham if either Jefferson or Addison cannot suit up.
“We’ve prepared really the whole receivers room — rostered guys and all of our practice squad — for just about anything,” O’Connell said, according to NBC Sports.
Minnesota also ruled out rookie cornerback Charles Demmings because of a hamstring issue. Tight end Ben Yurosek and offensive lineman Michael Jurgens are listed as questionable to return from injured reserve, while punter Brett Thorson was removed from the injury list and will play.
The Saints carry injury troubles of their own into Sunday. New Orleans ruled out starting linebacker Kaden Elliss and backup pass rusher Anfernee Jennings for a second consecutive contest. Starting running back Alvin Kamara and starting safety Julian Blackmon are officially questionable following limited practice activity on Friday, the Associated Press reported.
Final determinations on the status of Jefferson, Addison and O’Neill will be officially revealed when inactive lists are released 90 minutes before kickoff on Sunday.
