Vikings Face Saints With Jefferson and Addison Questionable

Minnesota will enter its Week 5 matchup against New Orleans with uncertainty surrounding its passing game and offensive line, as the Vikings listed wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and right tackle Brian O'Neill as questionable on Friday, October 9, 2026. The Vikings will visit the Saints at noon CT Sunday, with coach Kevin O'Connell expected to make final decisions on the three players' availability on game day.

According to the Vikings' official injury report, left tackle Christian Darrisaw was ruled out after missing the entire practice week while following concussion protocol. Cornerback Chuck Demmings was also ruled out with a hamstring injury, while the team continued preparing replacements for injured offensive linemen.

ESPN reported that Donovan Jackson, Minnesota's left guard, will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a knee injury the previous week. Joe Huber is expected to start at left guard, while Ryan Van Demark will replace Darrisaw at left tackle. Rookie Caleb Tiernan is the likely replacement for O'Neill if the right tackle cannot play.

Jefferson, who sprained his left ankle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 28, has not played since leaving that game. He also missed Minnesota's October 4 victory over the Miami Dolphins. According to ESPN, the receiver recorded 13 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns this season, but injuries to him and quarterback Kyler Murray have limited their time together to 18 snaps.

O'Connell said Jefferson made progress during the week, although the team needed to evaluate how the ankle responded to practice before making a final decision.

"He progressed throughout the week," said Kevin O'Connell, Vikings head coach.

O'Connell explained that the remaining recovery period would help determine whether Jefferson could safely return against New Orleans. The coach said the team would consider the receiver's condition and the needs of the team before deciding his status.

Jefferson, a Louisiana native who attended LSU, expressed his desire to play against the Saints earlier in the week.

"definitely something that I want to do," said Justin Jefferson, Vikings wide receiver.

Addison also faces uncertainty after sustaining a hamstring strain against Miami. He sat out Wednesday's practice before participating on a limited basis Thursday and Friday. According to the injury reports cited by ESPN and the Vikings, he has 11 receptions for 163 yards and one touchdown across four games this season.

O'Connell also addressed the possibility of activating Odell Beckham Jr., whom Minnesota signed to its practice squad Wednesday. ESPN reported that the Vikings planned to decide Saturday whether to elevate the receiver for Sunday's game. If Beckham were elevated but Jefferson and Addison were cleared to play, Beckham would likely be inactive on game day.

The Vikings' injury report also listed punter Brett Thorson, center Michael Jurgens and tight end Ben Yurosek as full participants Friday. Thorson has missed the previous two games and is expected to return Sunday, according to the team's report. Jurgens and Yurosek were designated to return from Injured Reserve Wednesday, opening their 21-day evaluation windows.

New Orleans also faces personnel concerns. The Saints ruled out linebacker Kaden Elliss, linebacker Anfernee Jennings and guard Jeremiah Wright, while running back Alvin Kamara was listed as questionable with a back injury. Safety Julian Blackmon, wide receiver Barion Brown, linebacker Jaylan Ford and cornerback Lorenzo Styles were also listed as questionable in the team's Friday report.

ESPN reported that Minnesota's offense scored one touchdown across 23 offensive drives in Murray's two starts against Tampa Bay and Miami. Murray had missed the second game of the season after suffering a concussion in Week 1 against Green Bay, then returned to start against Tampa Bay and Miami. The Vikings will enter their Week 6 bye after Sunday's game against the Saints.