The Minnesota Vikings are struggling through a dramatic offseason. The NFL team is regularly torpedoed by bad news.
It is almost impossible to complete a preparation without any setbacks. But what the Minnesota Vikings are currently experiencing is hard to beat in terms of drama. Currently, hardly a week goes by without the NFL franchise having some bad news to announce. Just on Wednesday, Jordan Addison caused another shock.
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The Vikings receiver injured his left ankle during a training session with the Cleveland Browns and had to be carried off the field. Head coach Kevin O’Connell at least gave the all-clear and later said that his protégé had “avoided a major injury.” “I’m looking forward to seeing him again as soon as possible. I don’t think he’ll be out for a long time,” he added.
NFL: Receiver caught drunk driving
Nevertheless, it is another chapter in an almost dramatic story that does not let the Vikings rest – and in which Addison is not involved for the first time. As a reminder: In mid-July, the 22-year-old, who was selected 23rd in the 2023 draft and had 911 yards and ten touchdowns last season, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.
According to media reports, Addison had blocked lanes on a highway near the airport in Los Angeles. When a police officer arrived at the scene, he found a white Rolls-Royce with Addison asleep at the wheel. Although it is not known what his blood alcohol level was, the Vikings bosses are unlikely to have been pleased with the incident.
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Tragic accident involving rookie cornerback
Especially because of a tragic accident that had happened just a few days earlier: the death of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, who had been picked in the fourth round of the 2024 draft. He was killed in a car accident along with two other people while traveling with the two former college players Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr. While Lytton Jr. was still being transported to a hospital, the officers in charge of the incident declared Hazel and Jackson dead on the scene.
Undoubtedly the worst incident of the summer by far. “Khyree had a bright future ahead of him as a player and it was clear that he was destined to be a wonderful person who could make a positive difference in people’s lives,” Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said. And yet it was not the last news that would shake the team in the offseason.
Two knee injuries hit Vikings hard
Three weeks ago, Minnesota was also hit by bad luck with injuries. Starting with Mekhi Blackmon, who tore his cruciate ligament in training camp. Bitter: The 25-year-old cornerback delivered impressive performances in his rookie season. From then on, he should have played an even bigger role in defense and fought for a spot with Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaquill Griffin.
And to make matters worse, the Vikings will be without rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy for months. The 21-year-old initially missed training due to knee pain before the Minnesota team announced a torn meniscus that required surgery. “It was a successful procedure, but it became apparent that a repair was necessary that will end JJ’s 2024 season,” O’Connell said of the severity of the injury.
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At least on the field, the Vikings are currently having success. In the preseason, a 27:12 win against the Cleveland Browns followed a 24:23 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. Before the start of the regular season away at the New York Giants on September 8th, they will face the Philadelphia Eagles.
