BEREA, Ohio — The Minnesota Vikings have narrowly avoided a second major injury setback in as many days.
Wide receiver Jordan Addison, who serves as the team’s No. 2 option, is anticipated to be sidelined for a period due to a left ankle injury he incurred during practice on Wednesday. This news comes just hours after rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy was ruled out for the remainder of the season following knee surgery.
While the exact timeline for Addison’s recovery remains unclear, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell provided some optimism on Thursday, stating that the 22-year-old is not facing a serious injury. Last season, Addison made a notable impact, totaling 70 receptions and 10 touchdowns as a rookie.
“He’ll work through the rehab process, and we look forward to getting him back as quickly as possible,” O’Connell commented after the Vikings’ second joint practice with the Cleveland Browns. “I don’t anticipate him missing any extended time.”
Addison’s injury occurred when he seemed to land on the foot of a Browns defender while attempting to catch a pass from starting quarterback Sam Darnold. He initially tried to walk off but soon stumbled and required assistance, eventually being carted off the field.
Star receiver Justin Jefferson expressed confidence that Addison’s injury is not severe. “From what I saw, it didn’t seem like it was going to be a major injury,” Jefferson noted. “It’s tough to see a starter go down, but as long as we have him for Week 1, we’re good.”
The Vikings are set to kick off the regular season on September 8 against the New York Giants.
Addison, a first-round draft pick in 2023, made a remarkable debut season and has proven to be an ideal complement to Jefferson, one of the league’s top receivers.
In addition to Addison’s injury, O’Connell mentioned that wide receiver Thayer Thomas is currently in concussion protocol due to a separate injury on Wednesday, while linebacker Blake Cashman required stitches for an unspecified ailment but is expected to return soon.
The team is still coming to terms with the unfortunate news regarding McCarthy, who tore the meniscus in his knee during his preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders last week. Although McCarthy was not projected to secure the starting position, he was in competition with Darnold, who signed a one-year deal with Minnesota to provide stability as the team develops a new quarterback.
“Obviously very sad news,” Darnold remarked regarding McCarthy’s injury.
Though McCarthy might not see the field this season, Darnold emphasized that the rookie can still gain valuable insights. “There’s so much you can learn from being sidelined or watching practice and game tape,” he explained. “Even being on the sidelines during games teaches you a lot.”
Jefferson echoed Darnold’s sentiment, stating that McCarthy can lean on the support of his teammates while he recovers. “It’s tough to have to sit out and not fulfill your dream, but we’re going to be right behind him the entire time. We will keep providing him with the uplifting spirit he needs to learn the system and how everything operates.”