NEW ORLEANS — Wide receiver Justin Jefferson is active for the Minnesota Vikings in Sunday’s Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, while fellow wideout Jordan Addison and recent addition Odell Beckham Jr. will not suit up, NBC Sports reported.
Jefferson returns after sitting out Minnesota’s Week 4 victory over the Miami Dolphins because of an ankle injury sustained during a Sept. 27 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The star receiver was designated as questionable after recording limited practice sessions throughout the week, but passed pregame evaluations before the 1 p.m. ET kickoff at the Caesars Superdome.
“The plan is for me to play,” Jefferson said earlier in the week, as reported by FTW Outdoors. “But who knows? We’re going to take it day by day.”
Addison and Beckham remain sidelined
While Jefferson rejoined the active roster, Minnesota faced setbacks across the rest of its receiving corps. Addison was ruled inactive due to a persistent hamstring problem. The receiver did not participate in Wednesday’s practice before managing limited workloads on Thursday and Friday, leaving his availability uncertain until the inactive lists were finalized Sunday morning.
There was also speculation that Beckham could make his Minnesota debut on Sunday. The veteran wide receiver signed to the practice squad earlier in the week and received a standard elevation on Saturday. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell noted earlier that Beckham would suit up only if the roster lacked available pass catchers, but team officials kept him inactive despite Addison’s absence, NBC Sports reported.
Without Addison and Beckham in uniform, quarterback Kyler Murray will direct a receiving unit that leans on Jefferson alongside Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton, Myles Price and practice squad elevation Jeshaun Jones.
Offensive line and defensive absences
The Vikings entered Sunday dealing with several other notable roster absences beyond the wide receiver room. Starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw was previously ruled out due to a concussion, depriving Murray of his primary blindside protector. Cornerback Charles Demmings was also ruled out prior to kickoff, according to ClutchPoints.
Minnesota’s full inactive list for Sunday included:
- Wide receiver Jordan Addison
- Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
- Left tackle Christian Darrisaw
- Cornerback Chuck Demmings
- Quarterback Max Brosmer
- Safety Jakobe Thomas
- Defensive lineman Elijah Williams
The Saints also announced multiple inactives ahead of the contest. New Orleans deactivated quarterback Zach Wilson, linebackers Kaden Elliss and Anfernee Jennings, safety Mike Reid, offensive guard Jeremiah Wright, and defensive linemen Vernon Broughton and Nathan Shepherd, NBC Sports reported.
Looking ahead to the matchup
Minnesota entered the contest seeking to maintain its unbeaten start to the 2026 campaign after opening the schedule with four consecutive victories. The Saints, meanwhile, came into Sunday with a 1-3 record and sought to rebound in front of their home crowd.
How the Vikings manage Jefferson’s workload coming off the ankle sprain remains to be seen, particularly with Darrisaw sidelined against New Orleans’ defensive front. Minnesota will continue to monitor Addison’s recovery as the team moves into Week 6 preparations.
