It’s Nightmare Fuel on the Vikings WR Front
The Minnesota Vikings completed the home slate of their preseason schedule on Saturday against the New England Patriots. They lost the exhibition, but that was hardly the concern. J.J. McCarthy didn’t play, and Justin Jefferson remains sidelined. There isn’t concern for either of them, but the wide receiver position is a different story.
The Minnesota Vikings need more than just one wide receiver to be added after Saturday’s preseason game showed the state of the position.
Jefferson has missed virtually all of training camp after suffering a hamstring strain. He has been smart about the injury and shouldn’t be in jeopardy of missing Week 1. Jordan Addison is absolutely going to miss Week 1, and he’ll be gone for Weeks 2 and 3 as well. That’s the result of a suspension stemming from his “wet reckless” conviction.
So, McCarthy will have Jefferson to rely on, and then that’s virtually it. Jalen Nailor was dealing with an injury at the end of last week’s joint practices against the Patriots. The severity of that malady looks to be heightened with the latest news. Saturday showed there isn’t much else to be confident in at the position, though.
Rookie draft pick Tai Felton remains an exciting developmental prospect. He’s going to make the roster. He did fumble on a return, though, and hiccups are going to be part of the reality. Beyond that, there wasn’t another wideout on the field that looked worth being there when games count.
Myles Price has flashed more in the return game than as a receiver. Lucky Jackson had an absolutely brutal drop that killed a drive. Tim Jones is just a guy. The group of Jeshaun Jones, Thayer Thomas, and Dontae Fleming hasn’t done anything to substantiate themselves as NFL-caliber talent.
The Vikings WR Room Is Raising Eyebrows
Without Addison, the Minnesota Vikings were looking at a world where Jalen Nailor would operate as their second wide receiver. That’s a scary thought, even coming off his expanded role next year. There’s absolutely no way that should be the desired plan of attack. With Nailor injured, then things look even more bleak.
A good portion of the success that McCarthy can see in year one will be reflective of those around him. Sure, he should have a stout line and an impressive running game. He gets to work with the best wide receiver in the sport. The team can’t allow for Jefferson to be gameplanned out of action by the defense, though. That’s precisely what will happen if this is the roster configuration going forward.
Amari Cooper is the sexy name still out there. Other veteran options like Gabriel Davis and even a return for Brandon Powell make sense. No matter what, though, something has to be done. Right now, it looks more necessary to make two moves than one.
You must be logged in to post a comment.