Jordan Addison returns to the Vikings with renewed vigor and fresh rapport with Carson Wentz ahead of Dublin clash
After a three-game suspension, Jordan Addison made his much-anticipated return to practice on Wednesday, marking his first time catching passes from quarterback Carson Wentz. With the Vikings set to face the Steelers in Dublin this weekend, Addison’s reintegration into the team comes at a crucial moment.
A New Beginning for Addison
Addison’s journey back to the field follows a suspension linked to a DUI arrest in July 2024. Despite the hiatus from the Vikings’ facility, he remained active mentally and physically, treating his time away like an offseason training program. “I was running routes, I was lifting, just the usual, like an offseason program, getting ready for camp,” he explained.
His return on September 9 allowed him to participate in meetings, but it wasn’t until Wednesday that he caught his first passes from Wentz. The chemistry between the two, despite their limited practice time together, has already begun to flourish. “We just worked a little bit after practice, just to get the timing down, but we were clicking,” Addison noted. “It’s like we’ve been playing together for a minute.”
Physical Preparedness and Team Dynamics
Addison’s head coach, Kevin O’Connell, expressed confidence in his receiver’s conditioning. “I think Jordan’s in shape,” O’Connell remarked, emphasizing the importance of Addison’s fresh legs heading into the game. “He’s been working his tail off to make sure he’s ready to go.”
Addison’s impressive training camp performance did not go unnoticed. With star receiver Justin Jefferson sidelined for most of camp due to a hamstring injury, Addison stepped up as the de facto No. 1 wide receiver, developing strong chemistry with quarterback J.J. McCarthy. O’Connell praised Addison’s unique ability to create separation and his elite catching skills, suggesting that he could be one of the best performers in training camp this year.
Facing New Challenges
As the Vikings prepare for their game in Ireland, the absence of McCarthy—who is recovering from a high ankle sprain—means Addison must quickly build rapport with Wentz. “That’s the way things go sometimes,” Addison stated. “But I’m excited to go out there and play with him, go out there and get a dub.”
The 23-year-old receiver is no stranger to adapting to different quarterbacks. Throughout his two-year NFL career, he’s caught passes from a rotating cast that includes Sam Darnold, Kirk Cousins, and Josh Dobbs. His adaptability and skill as a route-runner position him as a reliable asset for any quarterback. “As a receiver, I feel like it’s my job to make the quarterback look good, no matter who it is,” he explained.
A Talented Receiving Corps
With Addison back in the fold, the Vikings now boast a formidable group of wide receivers, including Jefferson, Jalen Nailor, and veteran Adam Thielen. The distribution of snaps among these four talented players will be a point of interest as they gear up for their international matchup.
Wentz, in particular, is eager to utilize Addison’s talents. “Extremely talented, the way he gets in and out of breaks, his competitiveness,” Wentz commented, highlighting his excitement to work closely with Addison. “I know I’m excited to have him back. Everybody else is raving about having him back as well.”
As the Vikings head toward their showdown in Dublin, all eyes will be on the dynamic between Addison and Wentz, which could prove pivotal in their quest for victory.
