Vikings Getting Dangerously Thin at Wide Receiver

The preseason hasn’t yet kicked off for the Minnesota Vikings, but that will take place on Saturday afternoon against the Houston Texans. When J.J. McCarthy leads his team onto the field, he’ll be doing so without some key starters.

Beyond just the preseason, Minnesota will be without starting wide receiver Jordan Addison for the first three games of the year. Justin Jefferson is working his way back, but currently nursing a hamstring injury as well.

The success of McCarthy’s first season under center will largely be reflective of those around him. Kevin O’Connell may need to consider getting him some additional wide receiver help.

Multiple wide receivers sidelined for Minnesota Vikings

With the preseason opener nearly upon them, the MN Vikings had a lighter practice session on Thursday. Even with it not being full go, the Star Tribune’s Andrew Krammer pointed out just how many wide receivers were on the sidelines.

Jefferson missed a 10th consecutive practice because of a left hamstring strain suffered July 24. Darrisaw has been rotating in and out while recovering from last year’s knee injury.

Receiver Rondale Moore did not practice, but is expected to play against the Texans. The Vikings were thin at receiver on Thursday without Jefferson or Moore, and with receiver Jalen Nailor in a red, no-contact jersey while dealing with an undisclosed issue apparently suffered on Wednesday.

Star Tribune

We have known about Jefferson’s injury for some time. Moore and Nailor being unavailable is new. While it sounds like neither will be long term issues, the lack of availability is alarming.

The cast of characters for McCarthy could quickly be nameless if Moore or Nailor were to miss real reps. Addison is already off the table, and that leaves names like draft pick Tai Felton, Dontae Fleming, Myles Price, Robert Lewis, Lucky Jackson, Thayer Thomas, Jeshaun Jones, and Silas Bolden.

That group shouldn’t instill much fear into an opposing secondary even if Justin Jefferson is lined up on the opposite side of the field. Nailor is coming into a contract year, and he has grips on the WR3 role, but that may be expecting to much.

Related: 4 Wide Receivers the Vikings Should Consider Acquiring

Even disregarding Addison’s suspension, and the injuries piling up, it could behoove Minnesota to look at alternative options. The next goal has to be getting these guys healthy, back on the field, and keeping them there.