The Vikings’ wide receiver picture got a little more interesting on Tuesday, and Jeshaun Jones is at the center of it.
ESPN’s Kevin Siefert reported on X that Jones has been suspended for the first three games of the 2026 NFL season after violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Jones has spent the past two seasons on Minnesota’s practice squad, and the suspension now clouds what had been a real opportunity for him to push for a spot on the 53-man roster.
That opening matters because Minnesota does not have much wiggle room at receiver. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings are all expected to make the team.
Myles Price and Tai Felton sit in the next tier. After that, Jones, Dillon Bell, Dontae Fleming, Terill Davis, Michael Briscoe, Trayvon Rudolph and Marcus Sanders Jr. are fighting over what could be one spot, assuming the Vikings keep six wideouts.
Bell has been making his case throughout camp and the preseason. He didn’t record a catch in the opener against the Giants, but he did chip in with two carries for 27 yards and picked up two first downs. Then he showed more as a receiver against the Ravens, hauling in six catches for 51 yards in Minnesota’s second preseason game.
For Bell, the path is still steep, but Jones’ suspension gives him a cleaner lane to stay in the conversation. A strong showing against the Broncos in the preseason finale could matter a lot for the 22-year-old undrafted rookie from Georgia.
Jones’ setback leaves Minnesota with another roster decision to sort out at wide receiver, and Bell is in position to take advantage if he keeps stacking productive days.
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