‘We’ve been aware that this was a possibility’ — Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell’s firm statement brings confidence after tough news
Tuesday afternoon was a tough one for the Minnesota Vikings, as they learned that wide receiver Jordan Addison would be suspended three games for being arrested and initially charged with Driving Under the Influence in July of 2024. It wasn’t much of a surprise to see the suspension levied the way it was from the […]
Tuesday afternoon was a tough one for the Minnesota Vikings, as they learned that wide receiver Jordan Addison would be suspended three games for being arrested and initially charged with Driving Under the Influence in July of 2024. It wasn’t much of a surprise to see the suspension levied the way it was from the National Football League, as they have set the precedent at three games.
While it feels like a rough outcome for the Vikings, it’s something they have dealt with on multiple occasions. Last season, they beat the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 and the Houston Texans 34-7 without Addison, and T.J. Hockenson didn’t play in those two games. With Hockenson this year, along with the additions of Jordan Mason and a revamped offensive line, it likely won’t harm them as much as you might think.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell was asked about the impact losing Addison for those two games, and his answer referenced that stretch last season.
“Although it was announced and announced to us as well, we’ve kind of been aware that this was a possibility,” said O’Connell. “We’ve had a competitive camp in place for the rest of the depth of that room. I’ve talked about the depth in that room, but at the same time, having lived two and a half games to start last year without Jordan [Addison] and T.J. Hockenson at the same time, with the expectation we’ll have T.J., full complement of our group with Jetts [Justin Jefferson] as well for that opener. . .”
“We just have to play good football. We’ve got to do the things that good offenses do, both pre-snap and post-snap. We will be answering some of those questions, as far as people on the outside might have, and some of the guys down the roster as far as down the depth chart, but my anticipation is these guys will keep building on the camp they’ve had and we’ll figure out exactly what that looks like for the opener as we shape this roster. . .”
“I think the important thing to remember is this has been a pretty lengthy process, and I respect the fact that the NFL goes through the process that they do. We’re talking about something that a lot of those conversations, if we’re only talking about the path moving forward and Jordan Addison and how he’s growing and improving and on and off the field every single day. If we’re only talking about those things after the discipline comes, I’m probably not doing my job. Jordan’s well aware of the standard that he’s been living up to. He’s done a phenomenal job not only this camp, but before that, continuing to understand. He’s taken full accountability with that suspension becoming official. Jordan’s daily, weekly and continued presence in our organization is a very positive one, and he knows that that’s my expectation, and our relationship is something we talk about a lot, how much I view him as an ascending player with great leadership traits to help set the standard for players coming behind him.”
It’s going to be an interesting path forward for the Vikings without Addison, and it’s already beginning to take shape during training camp practice. Lucky Jackson has been consistently with the ones, and is currently ranked as the fourth wide receiver on the unofficial depth chart. During Wednesday’s practice, Thayer Thomas was running with the first team with Justin Jefferson still missing practice. Both players have looked solid in their chances with the first team, and it’s big to look like you belong when you get those opportunities.
The Vikings are in a good spot with Addison missing three games, but that also doesn’t mean it’ll be an easy path. Needless to say, they are ready.
