Minnesota Vikings Sign New RB, Activate Top WR

Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

It’s a big week for the Minnesota Vikings as they look to carry the momentum from their commanding victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Not only do they need Carson Wentz to continue looking like a quality signal caller, but they have to do so while traveling overseas.

Unfortunately the clean bill of health that appeared to follow the Bengals game was met with the announcement of Donovan Jackson’s surgery on Monday. That leaves the offensive line still without a key part. However, the team made a pair of roster moves on Tuesday, and one bolsters the offense in a big way.

Jordan Addison returns among MN Vikings roster moves

This offseason Jordan Addison was suspended for three weeks after his “wet reckless” plea stemming from the arrest two summers ago. He has served his time and is now rejoining the active roster. That move comes with a new running back and a trio of releases.

Addison’s return will immediately place him back into the starting lineup alongside Justin Jefferson. He’ll overtake Adam Thielen and Jalen Nailor while looking to substantiate a strong first two years in the NFL.

Last season Addison turned in 63 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns. In two years, across 32 games, the former first round pick has a whopping 19 touchdowns. Although Thielen and Nailor have attempted to hold serve for the offense, Addison’s presence will give Carson Wentz another top-tier option to get the ball to.

Beyond just the addition of Addison, Minnesota has also added running back Corey Kiner to the practice squad. A rookie this season, Kiner played 12 games for Cincinnati last year. He rushed for 1,153 yards on 204 carries (5.7 yards per attempt) and found the end zone four times.

Kiner’s addition to the practice squad gives Minnesota some flexibility. They recently re-signed Cam Akers after veteran Aaron Jones was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Ty Chandler is also on injured reserve, so the only 53-man roster running backs are Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott.

Minnesota Vikings release three players

With Addison back the Vikings decided that veteran Tim Jones was no longer needed. He played in two games this season but got just six offensive snaps while adding 25 on special teams.

Although Lucky Jackson was not on the active roster, he lost his spot on the practice squad. Jackson couldn’t grab hold of opportunity during the preseason, and multiple key drops left him off the roster. He’ll now look to latch on with another organization.

In signing Kiner, the Vikings also shuffled practice squad running backs. Xazavian Valladay will be looking to find employment elsewhere. He appeared in one game for the New York Jets back in 2023.

The Vikings concluded their roster moves by waiving undrafted rookie defensive lineman Alexander Williams. He was on injured reserve.

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