Vikings Rising Star to Miss Titans Game After Head Injury

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Minnesota Vikings WR Jordan Addison.

The Minnesota Vikings will be without one of their top offensive players for the team’s second preseason game this weekend.

First-round wide receiver Jordan Addison entered the NFL’s concussion protocol on Wednesday, August 16, after suffering “light” symptoms following a collision in practice this week.

“Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said Wednesday that Jordan Addison is in concussion protocol and will not be available for the team’s second joint practice with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday or Saturday’s preseason game,” Noah Furtado and Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune reported.

“He suffered ‘light’ symptoms in the aftermath of a catch that took him to the ground during a two-minute drill earlier in the week, according to O’Connell, who added his first-round rookie could return as early as Monday,” the report continued.

Vikings Have Jordan Addison Insurance in Wide Receiver K.J. Osborn

Courtesy of VikingsWide receiver Jordan Addison of the Minnesota Vikings entered the NFL’s concussion protocol on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

The good news for the Vikings is that Addison’s symptoms are mild, that 24 days remain until the team opens the regular season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and that fourth-year pass-catcher K.J. Osborn is a viable No. 2 wideout/No. 3 target for Kirk Cousins — assuming Minnesota and tight end T.J. Hockenson lock down an extension in the coming days.

Even still, concussions are disconcerting issues, especially when suffered by the No. 23 pick in the draft.

The Vikings have not listed Addison as a starter on their depth chart yet this preseason, though the assumption has been that he is destined for the No. 2 role sooner than later. O’Connell referred to Addison as a “Day-1 starter” on draft night, per a video posted to the team’s official X account, the social media website formerly known as Twitter.

However, if Addison is more seriously hurt than believed, or if he deals with more issues in the future, Osborn is a more-than-capable No. 2 guy.

K.J. Osborn, Vikings Have Not Conceded Starting WR Role to Jordan Addison

GettyWide receiver K.J. Osborn of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game against the New York Giants in January 2023.

Osborn said in April that he believes 2023 could be his breakout year. It also happens to be a contract year for the wideout after racking up 110 catches for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns over the past two seasons, per Pro Football Reference.

“I do, if I’m being completely honest with you,” Osborn told ESPN’s Kevin Seifert when asked if he thinks 2023 will be his time to shine. “I know it’s an opportunity. I know there’s stuff ahead. We could still bring guys on and things like that, but at least I can say I’m excited about the opportunity.”