Why was Jordan Addison suspended and when will he be back for the Vikings?

Just as the preseason is about to get started, the Minnesota Vikings revealed they’ll be without their No. 2 wide receiver Jordan Addison for the start of the season thanks to an incident he got caught up in last year. Here’s what happened and what it means for the Vikings and Addison.

Addison’s costly mistake

Jordan Addison has been suspended for the first three games of the 2025 NFL season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. The suspension stems from a 2024 DUI case, which Addison resolved with a plea deal for “wet reckless” driving, acknowledging alcohol use.

He’ll miss games against the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and Cincinnati Bengals, but is eligible to return in Week 4, when the Vikings travel to Dublin, Ireland to play the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Outside of the NFL, Addison agreed to pay a fine of $390 and will be put on a 12-month probation with the possibility of cutting that time period in half with the completion of two online classes.

Addison, the Vikings’ 2023 first-round pick and current No. 2 receiver, can still participate in training camp and preseason games. He has a prior citation for driving 140 mph in 2023. In two seasons, he’s recorded 133 receptions for 1,786 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Who will replace Jordan Addison?

Jalen Nailor is expected to step into the WR2 role during Addison’s absence. The fourth-year receiver started seven games last year as the Vikings’ WR3, and caught 28 passes for 414 yards and six touchdowns. 

This will be Nailor’s chance to get a larger target share behind WR1 Justin Jefferson. The former Michigan State standout is also facing competition from rookie Tai Felton for the WR3 spot, but he’ll have a chance to prove he deserves it with Addison out for the start of the season.

The Vikings’ new starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, will be Nailor’s third in four seasons, and their chemistry could be key. With head coach Kevin O’Connell known for maximizing offensive talent, Nailor is positioned for a potential breakout if he can stay healthy and hold off Felton.

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