Jordan Addison Suspension: NFL Slaps Vikings WR with 3-Game Punishment

It’s official: Jordan Addison has received a 3-game suspension by the NFL for “violating the league’s substances of abuse policy” according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. The suspension stems from a DUI incident in July 2024.

The suspension stings. Losing a clear WR2 who’s had two seasons of 800+ yards receiving in his first two years in the NFL is a tough blow for any team with postseason dreams.

Now, though, Addison will be WR “None” for games against the Bears, Falcons, and Bengals to open the 2025 NFL season. The Vikings must game plan without Addison as an asset. What’s their next step?

What will the Vikings do at WR?

The Vikings’ wide receiver room is crowded. 13 receivers are currently listed on the roster. Now there will be a dogfight within the room. With Justin Jefferson also sidelined with a hamstring injury, anyone can compete to become J.J. McCarthy’s safety net. 

Fourth-year receiver Jalen Nailor is the clear candidate to fill Addison’s shoes. He had his best year in the NFL last season, posting career bests in nearly every category. He saw more targets and receptions in the 2024 season alone than the previous two seasons combined. 

The real story is about who became the Vikings' WR3. Rondale Moore was added in the offseason as one option. He spent his first four NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and showed decent production before he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons last offseason. There, he suffered a knee injury in training camp that was season-ending. Concerns about how he’ll perform post-injury may haunt him.

Another option is 3rd-round rookie Tai Felton out of Maryland. He was a stud in college last season, leading all Power Conference players with 96 receptions and setting a single-season Maryland Terrapins record. He also led a talented Big Ten Conference in reception yards with 1,124. His inexperience could hold him back, though. 

Then there’s a wild card like Lucky Jackson. Jackson is the oldest receiver on the Vikings’ roster and has never made it past the practice squad. He’s been taking reps with the first team offense in Jefferson’s place recently, and reports have been optimistic about his performance. His lack of experience, however, could be too overwhelming to overcome.

Whatever the Vikings decide, the stakes in their preseason games are much higher. We’ll have to tune in to see who can maximize their opportunities.