Vikings WR Jordan Addison suspended for three games by NFL for violating substance-abuse policy

Minnesota Vikings wideout Jordan Addison will be sidelined for the first three games of the upcoming NFL season after receiving a suspension for violating the league’s policy on substances of abuse, the NFL confirmed on Tuesday.

The setback means Addison, who has served as the Vikings’ second option in the receiving corps over the past two seasons, will be unavailable for the team’s season opener against the Chicago Bears, as well as back-to-back home contests versus the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals.

He’ll be eligible to rejoin the lineup in Week 4, when Minnesota heads overseas to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin. Until then, Addison remains permitted to take part in all training camp practices and preseason matchups, giving him valuable reps as he prepares for a return later in the month.

Jordan Addison, the Minnesota Vikings' 2023 first-round draft selection, found himself back in legal trouble this past July after being charged with driving under the influence and having a blood alcohol level of at least .08%. According to authorities, the wide receiver was discovered asleep behind the wheel of a white Rolls-Royce that was obstructing a lane on the I-105 westbound, just outside LAX.

The latest incident came almost exactly a year after Addison was cited in July 2023 for blazing down a Minnesota freeway at 140 mph. In that case, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor speeding charge, while a reckless driving count was dropped. He was fined $686.

To resolve the 2024 DUI case, Addison entered a no contest plea on July 17 to a reduced charge of "wet reckless" driving, a plea that acknowledges alcohol involvement and opened the door for NFL disciplinary action.

As part of the agreement, Addison agreed to pay a $390 fine and accepted 12 months of probation—though his agent, Tim Younger, noted that the probation period could be shortened to six months if Addison completes two court-approved online courses.

Since landing in Minnesota, Jordan Addison has made quite the impression, logging 29 starts across two campaigns and amassing 133 receptions for 1,786 yards to go along with 19 touchdowns.

With Addison sidelined to start the season, the next man up appears to be Jalen Nailor. The fourth-year wideout, who stepped into the spotlight with seven starts in 2024, is expected to fill the void in the Vikings’ receiving corps as they look to weather Addison's absence early in the year.