Tag: Jordan Addison

Sam Darnold connects with Jordan Addison on USC Vikings TD vs Packers

Sam Darnold to Jordan Addison is the passing combination the Minnesota Vikings need to click if they want to make the NFL playoffs. Good start in Week 4.

USC Trojans from different decades linked up to create a touchdown for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Sam Darnold, a 2018 NFL draft pick, threw a beautiful ball to 2023 NFL draft pick Jordan Addison to give the Vikings an early lead in Wisconsin.

Darnold has found a good situation in Minnesota. Coach Kevin O’Connell knows how to give quarterbacks a winning plan. Darnold did not receive good quarterback coaching or a helpful offensive roadmap with the New York Jets or Carolina Panthers. With the San Francisco 49ers, he simply didn’t have much of a chance to play behind star signal-caller Brock Purdy. Now, in Minnesota with the Vikings, Darnold is surrounded by good coaching and good talent. Due to JJ McCarthy’s injury, Darnold has a chance to lead this team every week. It’s his offense. He’s the leader. There are no questions about this. Darnold isn’t looking over his shoulder. With Jordan Addison adding to the “USC Vikings,” the Minnesota passing game — like the Vikings themselves — has a chance to be well above average.

Caleb Williams is the USC quarterback who got most of the offseason attention in the NFC North. Sam Darnold is becoming the breakthrough NFL quarterback in the NFC North so far this season. What an unexpected development.

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Minnesota Vikings linked to wide receiver in 2025 free agency

Despite wide receiver Jalen Nailor playing well in 2024, Bleacher Report has linked the Vikings to Tyler Boyd in 2025 NFL free agency.

One of the more publicized supposed weaknesses for the Minnesota Vikings heading into the 2024 season was their situation at the third wide receiver spot. Many thought the Vikings had a big hole in their roster at the position and needed to upgrade. The Vikings’ front office thought otherwise and trusted what they had in-house with wide receiver Jalen Nailor.

Through the first three games of the season, Nailor has performed well in his position, giving the Vikings seven receptions on nine targets and turning those seven catches into 106 yards and three touchdowns. Combine that with the added receiving element out of the backfield with Aaron Jones, and the Vikings passing attack has worked well through three games — despite the absence of tight end T.J. Hockenson all season and wide receiver Jordan Addison for two games.

While Nailor has performed admirably as the team’s third option, that hasn’t stopped NFL analysts from speculating on what the Vikings may do at the position for the rest of 2024 and into 2025. Last week, the Bleacher Report Scouting Department suggested the Vikings should sign former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage to boost the core group and give them another option at WR3.

This week, the team at Bleacher Report has doubled down on their opinion that the Vikings need to get better at WR3. While they aren’t suggesting the Vikings make a move immediately this week, they have linked the Vikings to former Cincinnati Bengals and current Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd.

The Bleacher report argues that Boyd would be a “perfect fit” in the WR3 spot for the Vikings, as that was his primary responsibility for the Cincinnati Bengals in a wide receivers room with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Boyd has consistently been one of the better tertiary options in the league, putting up over 2,200 yards and seven touchdowns during his three seasons as the Bengals’ third option.

Boyd hasn’t gotten off to a great start with his new team, Tennessee, in an increased role. He has only gotten eight passes for 77 yards through three games with the Titans. Minnesota and their fans may not see WR3 as a need going forward, but it’s clear that the media perception begs to differ.

Vikings get good news on the injury front regarding Sam Darnold

The injuries are mounting for the Minnesota Vikings, but they got some good news on three players who missed Sunday’s game, and their QB.

The NFL season is the ultimate grind in sports, and no team comes through it unscathed. Injuries are a part of the game and something that every team has to deal with to varying degrees during the season. The injuries are starting to mount for the Minnesota Vikings, but they got good positive news on Monday.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell told the press on Monday that wide receiver Jordan Addison, linebacker Ivan Pace, Jr., and edge rusher Dallas Turner are all day-to-day with their injuries, but the coach “sounded optimistic on all,” according to Minnesota Vikings beat reporter Alec Lewis.

All three players missed Sunday’s win over the Houston Texans, but the Vikings were able to get strong contributions from players in their absence. Wide receiver Jalen Nailor stepped up in the absence of Addison, catching three of his four targets for 31 yards and a touchdown.

Linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill was one of the studs of the week for the Vikings in place of Pace, notching a big interception, defending another pass, and making several nice open-field tackles. At the same time, free agent acquisition Jonathan Greenard had a huge day against his former team, notching three sacks on the day and ensuring the Vikings didn’t miss their first-round pick, Turner.

The Vikings got more good news on the injury front, as the team revealed that quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a bruised knee in the game on Sunday and avoided any structural damage. Darnold isn’t expected to miss any time with the injury and should be good to continue a season that could wind up being his career-best when all is said and done.

It’s time to start taking the Minnesota Vikings seriously

After staring the season undefeated, it’s time to start taking the 2024 version of the Minnesota Vikings seriously as a playoff contender.

There’s an old saying that, paraphrased, says that “once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a pattern.” For the 2024 Minnesota Vikings, it was easy to ignore the team’s first win, over a rather hapless New York Giants team.

Then, the Vikings did it again the following week — in a rather convincing fashion — over a much better San Francisco 49ers team. Still, plenty of skepticism was warranted, as it’s still early in the season, and the 49ers were without some key players.

However, now that the Vikings have done it again and beaten an excellent Houston Texans team – and done so convincingly – it’s time to start accepting the idea that this might not be an accident. With three wins in a row, and two of them over two of the best teams in the NFL last season, it’s time to start accepting that this version of the Minnesota Vikings might just be “for real”.

Now, that’s not to say that the Vikings are a legitimate Super Bowl contender – at least not yet – but rather that it’s time to acknowledge that popular opinion on the team may have been wrong. Coming into the season, there was a lot of hesitancy to believe in the Vikings, largely due to the notion that famed NFL Draft bust Sam Darnold would helm them. Darnold was the third pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, but famously flamed out with the Jets, before struggling even more with the Carolina Panthers and being relegated to a backup role with the 49ers.

However, through the first three weeks of the season, Darnold has arguably had the best season of his career. The offense that head coach Kevin O’Connell runs with the Vikings has lent itself well to Darnold, and in turn, he’s having successes the likes of which he’s rarely – if ever – seen in his career. Darnold had just his second career game with four touchdown passes on Sunday against the Texans. Through three games, Darnold has a passer rating of 117.3, nearly 25 points higher than at any other point in his career.

With just two more touchdown passes, Darnold will have double-digit passing touchdowns for the third time in his career. The yardage numbers he’s putting up aren’t spectacular, but he’s making the plays he needs to make when he needs to make them, and he’s being efficient with the ball. What’s more, those numbers will only get better as the Vikings get back to full strength with a healthy Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson down the road.

But the story of the 2024 Minnesota Vikings’ success isn’t just about the career resurgence of their quarterback. What makes the Vikings “for real” this season, and why their success can be sustainable, is the defense’s performance. Behind defensive mastermind coordinator Brian Flores, the Vikings defense is giving quarterbacks fits. On Sunday, the Vikings managed to end C.J. Stroud’s league-leading consecutive passes without an interception streak, turning him over not once but twice daily.

They’re also bringing a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, disguising those pressures and the coverages behind them, and generally making life a nightmare for whomever they face. 

It is still early in the season – just three games. There is plenty of time for Darnold to turn back into a pumpkin. There’s plenty of time for opposing offenses to figure out the Vikings’ defensive schemes, and the NFL season is a long and brutal one – injuries will happen and could take a dramatic toll on the team.

However, as things stand right now, and the outlook going forward, it’s time to start thinking about the 2024 Minnesota Vikings as not only a potential playoff team, but a team who could win a game or two when they get there.

Vikings announce inactives for their Week 3 matchup against the Texans

The Vikings head into their Week 3 matchup against the Broncos with a lot more notable names on the inactive report than in previous weeks. 

The Minnesota Vikings head into their Week 3 matchup against the Denver Broncos with a lot more notable names on the inactive report than in previous weeks.

The leading name on the report is wide receiver Jordan Addison, who is still nursing an ankle injury he suffered in Week 1. Another notable name joining him this week is rookie Dallas Turner, who has played well for the team this season.

The complete inactive list also includes linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., quarterback Brett Rypien, cornerback Dwight McGlothern, defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez, and offensive tackle Walter Rouse.

The team will have Jalen Nailor, Brian O’Neill, and Andrew Van Ginkel who were all on the injury report earlier this week but have since been cleared. Many of them were listed for nagging injuries rather than anything that may impede their performances in Week 3.

The Vikings and Texans will kick off at 1 p.m./Noon. Both teams look to remain undefeated through the first three weeks of the season.

Texans vs. Vikings: Three key players out for Minnesota in Week 3

Three key Minnesota Vikings are out for Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium.

While the Houston Texans must handle Minnesota Vikings All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson, they won’t have to take on his running mate.

On top of that, two key defensive players won’t suit up for Sunday’s game on Minnesota’s side due to injury.

The Vikings ruled receiver Jordan Addison, edge rusher Dallas Turner and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. out for Sunday’s game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Addison and Turner didn’t practice all week, while Pace was limited entering Friday’s walk-throughs.

Addison, a former first-round pick out of USC, left early in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants due to an ankle injury. He didn’t play last Sunday in a 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

When asked about Addison’s status, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell noted that he made some good progress this week.

“Not all the way to the point where we could be 100 percent confident he wouldn’t have a setback of any kind,” O’Connell told reporters. “Ultimately the most important thing is over the long term of this season getting him back to a place where he’s ready to rock and roll.”

Turner, a former teammate of Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. at Alabama, left early in Sunday’s win because of a knee issue. Over his first two weeks, Turner has totaled five tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss.

Pace, who impressed last season as an undrafted free agent from Cincinnati, has recorded 15 tackles in two starts. He’s been reportedly dealing with a quad injury and was limited throughout the week.

Jalen Nailor is expected to fill the void as the No. 2 target opposite Jefferson.  Edge rusher Pat Jones II will likely see an increased role in place of Turner opposite former Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard.

As for Pace, former Houston linebacker Blake Cashman likely takes over as the voice of the defense while Brian Asamoah and Kamu Grugier-Hill split reps in his spot.

In place of Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, the Texans plan to have an increased role for Cam Akers. Vikings fans should remember the former second-round pick since he played six games in Minneapolis last season before suffering a torn Achilles in early November.

After a promising preseason, Akers took over the No. 3 RB role entering the regular season. Last week when Mixon left with an ankle injury, he became the feature back, totaling 32 yards on seven carries.

Akers told reporters earlier this week he’s always waiting for a moment to present itself.”

You don’t got to get ready when you stay ready,” Akers said. “I’ve been preparing for this moment, and I’m ready for it. I’m ready to take advantage.”

Kickoff from U.S. Bank Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

The Texans are looking for their first 3-0 start since 2012 and their first victory over Minnesota in franchise history.

Vikings have shocking power ranking spot heading into Week 3

Coming off a surprise win against the San Francisco 49ers, the Minnesota Vikings sit just outside the top 3 on Bucky Brooks’ power rankings.

It’s no secret that the Minnesota Vikings are one of the most surprising teams in the league after their 2-0 start to the season. While many could have predicted the Vikings got off to a 1-0 start with a game against the New York Giants, few would have picked them to be undefeated after an early-season matchup against NFC juggernauts, the San Francisco 49ers.

Yet that’s exactly where the Vikings stand heading into their Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans. While some may still doubt the Vikings and where they stand in the league, one NFL analyst seems to be all-in on the team right now.

In his latest power rankings, Fox Sports’ NFL analyst Bucky Brooks has the Vikings surprisingly high. Coming off a surprising win against the 49ers, Brooks has the Vikings all the way up at #4, just behind the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints — another contender for the most surprising team in the league to start the season — and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Minnesota comes into their Week 3 matchup against the Texans with some significant questions at the wide receiver spot. Both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are recovering from injuries, and their statuses are uncertain. If Minnesota can find a way to pull out the win and move to 3-0 on the season, it’ll be interesting to see where Brooks has them going forward.

Vikings linked to five-year NFL veteran to boost WR room

With the status of wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in question, Bleacher Report suggest the Vikings sign a veteran.

The Minnesota Vikings are one of the surprise teams of the 2024 season. Not many expected the Vikings to be sitting at 2-0 after an early-season tilt against the San Francisco 49ers. Perhaps just as surprising, quarterback Sam Darnold has been playing well in the early portions of the season, even leading some to wonder if the Vikings should give him another season as the bridge to eventual starter J.J. McCarthy.

For as well as Darnold has played so far this season, that could come crashing down this week as the Vikings prepare to face the Houston Texans with the very real possibility that their wide receiver corps — typically a strength of the team — is severely diminished.

All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson suffered a quad injury in last week’s game against the 49ers. While it doesn’t appear that Jefferson suffered a serious injury, he was limited in Wednesday’s practice. Jefferson wants to play, but even if he is able to go Sunday against the Texans, he’s unlikely to be at full strength.

On the other hand, wide receiver Jordan Addison is dealing with injuries of his own, this time in the form of an ankle injury. Addison was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday’s practice and is likely questionable to go against the Texans. That leaves the Vikings with some real questions at the position, not only for this week against Houston but going forward as well, as both injuries can tend to linger.

While Minnesota may be content to wait out the injuries and see how they progress, the Bleacher Report team suggests they should be a little more aggressive in addressing the wide receiver room. In their weekly column outlining team needs heading into the week and how teams can address them, the Bleacher Report Scouting Department suggests the Vikings sign veteran wide receiver Russell Gage.

Gage, a five-year veteran, is still just 28-years-old but has not played in the league since starting four games in the 2022 season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That season, Gage caught 51 passes for 426 yards and five touchdowns.

During his most productive stretch, Gage was good for over 700 yards in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. Provided that he’s in shape, Gage could provide the team with a solid receiving option should they need one in place of Jefferson or Addison and could likely compete for the team’s third option when those two are healthy.

Vikings young star pass catcher ruled out vs. 49ers in Week 2

Vikings WR Jordan Addison lit the 49ers up for 123 yards and two touchdowns in their matchup last season.

When the San Francisco 49ers traveled to Minnesota last season for Sunday Night Football, Kirk Cousins and Jordan Addison led the Vikings to a surprise update win in Week 7, 22-17.

Fast forward to their matchup in Week 2 of the 2024 season will look quite different. Not only will Cousins not be under center, but the Vikings will also be missing their star sophomore wide receiver from USC.

On Friday, the Vikings ruled Addison due to an ankle injury. The second-year wideout suffered an ankle injury during their Week 1 victory over Daniel Jones and the Giants.

Via @AdamSchefter on Twitter:

Addison set a career-high against the 49ers last season, catching seven passes on 10 targets for 123 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

While Addison will be out, Nick Sorenson, Charvarious Ward and the 49ers will still have to find a way to slow down former 49er Sam Darnold connecting with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

The 49ers will meet the Vikings at 10 a.m. PT on Sunday in Minnesota for the second game of the 2024 season.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Vikings LB Andrew Van Ginkel pops up Vikings injury report for Week 2

A notable name popped up on their first injury report for Week 2: Andrew Van Ginkel.

The Minnesota Vikings have remained relatively healthy through the first week of the 2024 season. They went into Week 1 with no Vikings players on their final injury report, but fast-forward to the first report of the new week, and they aren’t so lucky.

A notable name popped up on their first injury report for Week 2: Andrew Van Ginkel.

The top performer of their dominant Week 1 win made the report as someone who did not practice. He is listed with a foot injury, and no other context or updates were provided at the time of publication.

Other names on the list include Jalen Nailor and his ankle injury that was on the report for some reports last week. Two other starters also made the list in Jordan Addison and Garrett Bradbury with not practicing and being limited, respectively.

Addison is another notable name that will be worth monitoring as we get closer to Sunday. For Van Ginkel, however, he is going to be necessary as missing him would be a monumental loss to the Vikings’ defense.