The Minnesota Vikings will have Justin Jefferson on the field and Jordan Addison on the sideline when they face the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans this afternoon.
The Vikings released their inactive list about ninety minutes before kickoff, and Addison headlines the group of players who won’t suit up. Minnesota also ruled out Odell Beckham Jr., even after elevating him and Jeshaun Jones from the practice squad in case the team needed extra help at wide receiver. Jones is active instead of Beckham.
Minnesota’s other inactives are QB Max Brosmer, listed as the emergency quarterback, OT Christian Darrisaw, CB Chuck Demmings, S Jakobe Thomas, and DL Elijah Williams. Darrisaw and Demmings were already ruled out on the final injury report, while Thomas remains inactive for the fifth straight week, an especially rough spot for a third-round pick.
The Vikings did get one key offensive line piece back. Brian O’Neill, who had been listed as questionable, is active and will start at right tackle. Ryan Van Demark will handle the left tackle spot in Darrisaw’s place.
New Orleans also confirmed its inactive list, and the Saints will be without DL Vernon Broughton, LB Kaden Elliss, OLB Anfernee Jennings, S Mike Reid, DL Nathan Shepherd, and OL Jeremiah Wright.
Elliss, Jennings, and Wright had already been ruled out on the Saints’ final injury report. The bigger news for New Orleans is that three players listed as questionable - wide receiver Barion Brown, safety Julian Blackmon, and running back Alvin Kamara - are all active and available for today’s game.
In Other News...
Vikings Stayed Unbeaten Through A Messy Win That Said Plenty
The Vikings went into their meeting with the Saints trying to protect an unbeaten start before the bye week, and they had to do it while already shorthanded on offense. Minnesota kept finding ways to stay afloat anyway, leaning on Kyler Murrays mobility and accurate passing as the game turned messy around them, but the win came with the kind of wear and tear that can linger far beyond one Sunday.
Minnesota also had to absorb more blows in-game, with T.J. Hockenson leaving on the second snap and the offense already operating without Christian Darrisaw, Jordan Addison and Donovan Jackson. Even so, the Vikings pushed through turnovers and a handful of self-inflicted mistakes to get to 5-0, though the red-zone fumbles that gave the Saints extra points left plenty for the Vikings to sort out when they return from the break. [Read more 🡒]
Justin Jefferson's Status Puts Vikings Week 5 Offense In Spotlight
The Vikings head into Week 5 with their passing game suddenly in focus, as both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are listed as questionable for the matchup with the Saints. Jefferson is working through an ankle injury after missing the previous game, while Addison is dealing with a hamstring issue, leaving Minnesota with real uncertainty at two of its most important receiver spots.
Jefferson has said he plans to play, but the final call still matters because the Vikings have already had to prepare for a plan B. Minnesota elevated Odell Beckham Jr. and Jeshaun Jones from the practice squad, a clear sign the team is bracing for the possibility of being short-handed when it tries to keep the offense on schedule in New Orleans. [Read more 🡒]
Vikings Passing Attack Hinges On A Crucial Pregame Decision
Minnesotas passing game enters Week 5 with a familiar dose of uncertainty, and it centers on Jordan Addisons hamstring. The wideout is listed as questionable for the game against the Saints, and both Addison and Justin Jefferson are expected to go through pregame workouts before the Vikings decide who is ready to suit up.
The timing matters because Minnesota already added depth at receiver by elevating Odell Beckham Jr. and Jeshaun Jones from the practice squad ahead of Sundays game. Even with Jefferson in the mix, the Vikings need clarity on Addison before kickoff, since his availability could shape how aggressive the offense can be and how much pressure falls on the rest of the receiving group. [Read more 🡒]