Minnesota Vikings Banking on Key Wide Receiver

The Minnesota Vikings waited until the final moment to address their wide receiver issues. Jordan Addison was going to be suspended. There was really never a level of ambiguity to if or when. Then Jalen Nailor got hurt and pushed them even further into a bad situation.

Thielen is locked and loaded for a prominent starting role. That was part of the reason Minnesota targeted a player that had familiarity with the system for. It sounds like he may actually be joined by Nailor as well.

Jalen Nailor looking probable for MN Vikings

Last season the Vikings used Jalen Nailor in the WR3 spot vacated by K.J. Osborn. He now enters the final year of his rookie contract and needs to produce. In order to produce he needs to be on the field. Fortunately, despite his hand surgery, Minnesota believes he will be Week 1 against the Chicago Bears.

The #Vikings are optimistic about wide receiver Jalen Nailor (hand) playing Week 1 vs. Chicago barring a setback, per sources. Minnesota envisions a key role for Nailor, especially with Jordan Addison out via suspension.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 31, 2025

Nailor had a procedure done in recent days. The fact that his hand was opened up and has time to heal prior to September 8 suggests a minimally invasive procedure. Minnesota is obviously going to have practices over the week leading up to their tilt against Chicago, and the assumption should be that Nailor must be active for some of them.

Last season, his third in the NFL, Nailor played 17 games for the Vikings. He drew seven starts and hauled in 28 receptions for 414 yards. Nailor did grab six touchdown catches, but also had a handful of untimely drops. The overall body of work left something to be desired, and he’ll need to take another step forward this season.

If Nailor is ready to go he gives Minnesota a realistic trio of quality wideouts. With Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen on top the depth chart, Nailor assumes the same role he played last year. He’ll have a three-game runway to show how involved he should be in the offense, and that’s the opportunity he should be focused on.

Related: MN Vikings Wide Receiver Went Under the Knife

Once Addison returns, Minnesota will arguably employ the top trio at the wideout position across the league. Their depth is a problem if Nailor’s injury lingers, or if his level of effectiveness from last season remains constant. If he can elevate his play though, J.J. McCarthy has to feel plenty supported by his top four wideout options.

Minnesota has eight days to dial in their gameplan against the Bears. Monday Night Football at Soldier Field looms as the 2025 NFL regular season kicks off.