Jordan Addison suspension, explained: Why Vikings WR was hit with 3-game ban to start 2025 season

The Vikings saved money at the quarterback position by letting Sam Darnold walk and reinvested it to give J.J. McCarthy one of the NFL's stronger supporting casts. That supporting cast won't be at full strength for at least the first three weeks of the season, though.

WR Jordan Addison was suspended three games by the NFL on Tuesday for violating the league's substance abuse policy, forcing him to miss the start of the season. He can still fully participate in training camp and the preseason.

Justin Jefferson is more than capable of shouldering a huge share of targets from McCarthy early in the season, but Addison's suspension — while not unexpected — leaves the Vikings thinner than they would like to be at the wide receiver position.

Here's what you need to know about Addison's ban and who could step up in his absence.

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Jordan Addison suspension, explained

Addison's suspension stems from a 2024 DUI arrest in which officers found him asleep at the wheel of his Rolls-Royce, blocking a lane near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). 

The NFL typically waits for the legal process to play out before issuing a punishment, so Addison played the entire 2024 season and told reporters he was in a "dark place" after his arrest. In July, Addison resolved the case by pleading guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving with the involvement of alcohol.

The plea deal required Addison to pay a $390 fine, complete two online courses, and spend 12 months on probation.

After the plea, Addison's attorney said the 23-year-old's case "would have made for a great trial," but he credited his client with accepting the deal.

MORE: Vikings WR depth chart | Fantasy impact of Addison suspension

Addison did not test positive for any substance, as is sometimes the case when the league suspends a player under the substance abuse policy, but NFL policy calls for a three-game suspension if a player is involved in an alcohol-related driving incident. 

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Vikings WR depth chart

The Vikings have no doubt Jefferson will be the centerpiece of their offense again in 2025 as perhaps the NFL's best wide receiver, but the depth behind him could be concerning while Addison is suspended.

The 26-year-old Nailor did break out in 2024, taking on a larger role behind the two starters and posting 414 yards plus six touchdowns on 28 catches over a full 17 games. Beyond Nailor, few receivers have a history of NFL production. Tai Felton is a third-round rookie out of Maryland, while Rondale Moore did record 135 catches over three seasons with the Cardinals but missed all of 2024 due to injury.

Both Lucky Jackson and Jeshaun Jones have spent time with the Vikings for more than a year but have yet to record an NFL catch, while Tim Jones saw limited action with the Jaguars last season before joining Minnesota.

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Vikings schedule 2025

Addison is set to miss games against the Bears, Falcons, and Bengals, the first two of which will be played in prime-time slots. The third-year receiver's return will come against the Steelers in Dublin on Sept. 28.