Addison (hamstring) not expected to play in Week 5

After injuring his thumb in Friday’s practice, Addison has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s pivotal NFC North tilt against the Packers. With Jauan Jennings (calf) and T.J. Hockenson (wrist/chest) also sidelined, Kirk Cousins will be forced to rely on Myles Price, Tai Felton, and Jeshaun and his other receivers behind Justin Jefferson. Jefferson could be in line for a big day in his first game with Cousins since 2023. The Vikings also ruled out QB Kyler Murray, QB Max Brosmer, LB Blake Cashman, and DL Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins for Sunday’s game.

Addison injured his thumb in practice on Friday and the team listed him as questionable for today’s game. The team elevated wide receiver Jeshaun Jones from the practice squad yesterday, casting some doubt on Addison’s availability. With Jauan Jennings also out, Tai Felton and Myles Price could be in line for larger roles today.

Kevin O’Connell described it as Addison getting “dinged” in practice today. Not ideal. Addison would have been in for a workload bump with T.J. Hockenson out, as it stands it looks like Kirk Cousins will just throw to Justin Jefferson 25 times like it’s 2022 again.

Addison and the rest of the primary Minnesota pass catchers struggled through some of the worst quarterback play you will see all season, with Carson Wentz leading an offense that gained only 126 yards while failing to pick up a single first down through 55 minutes of play. Max Brosmer came on in relief of the struggling veteran late in the fourth quarter and made a few really nice throws, but the team maintains one of the worst quarterback rooms in the league. Fantasy managers are left wishing the team addresses those shortcomings ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline to revive an anemic pass offense.

Kyler Murray suffered a hamstring injury in Week 8, but even Schefter alluded to the idea that this would be a soft benching for Murray. Schefter added that it “looks like there’s a question at the quarterback position” for Minnesota. Healthy or not, it sounds like Wentz is going to be under center versus Buffalo. Wentz made one start earlier in the season while Murray was sidelined with a concussion. He only threw for 133 yards on 19 attempts, but Wentz found the end zone three times. Murray hasn’t thrown three passing touchdowns in a game since the end of the 2024 season. Wentz’s gunslinging style will likely be a win for fantasy managers hoping to get more out of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, especially in a potential shootout with the Bills.

Kyler Murray targeted Addison deep a few times in this one and connected with Addison on a 51-yard deep shot over double coverage in the injury-riddled Lions secondary. It was good to see signs of life from Addison, who entered Week 8 averaging fewer expected fantasy points per game than Cooper Kupp and Kendrick Bourne. The team’s primary downfield threat, Addison’s role in the run-heavy Minnesota offense makes him a boom-bust weekly play. That won’t change in a good matchup in Week 9 against the Bills.

Addison also got a carry for three rushing yards. His usage involved designed touches in the shallow area, with the Vikings trying to get him out into space. His utilization dropped in the second half and he did not see many looks downfield. Addison is the clear No. 3 pass-catching option in the Vikings offense, a role that warrants WR4 consideration for Week 8 against the Lions.

Addison, well-rested coming off his team’s Week 6 bye, is ready to go. The Colts’ defense has played poorly, and they will likely be without top CB Sauce Gardner (calf). Addison can be a volatile producer at times, but he warrants WR3/FLEX treatment this week.

Addison seemingly gave it a go this morning but wasn’t quite ready to play. The Vikings get a Week 6 bye, so Addison should be ready to go when they return to face the Colts in two weeks. Also inactive for the Vikings are OT Christian Darrisaw, S Jakobe Thomas, WR Odell Beckham, CB Chuck Demmings, DT Elijah Williams, and QB Max Brosmer.

The same is true of Jordan Addison. Both Minnesota wideouts are currently listed as questionable for Week 5. Jefferson is from Louisiana and has already told reporters he plans to play in the homecoming game. We expect him to suit up, but fantasy managers should have a backup plan for him and Addison to be safe.