The Minnesota Vikings are heading into the start of the 2025 season with surprising (and disappointing) news: Jordan Addison, their talented wide receiver, has been suspended for the first three regular-season games after violating the NFL’s Substances of Abuse Policy as a result of a DUI arrest in July 2024.
In mid‑July 2025, Addison accepted a no-contest plea to a “wet reckless” driving charge in California, which included 12 months of probation, a $390 fine, and completion of two online educational courses.
✖️ Games He’ll Miss
Addison will be sidelined for these first three key games:
- Week 1: at the Chicago Bears (Monday Night Football)
- Week 2: vs. Atlanta Falcons at home
- Week 3: vs. Cincinnati Bengals at home
He’ll be eligible to return in Week 4, just in time for the Vikings’ matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland.
🏟 What This Means for the Vikings
Addison is still allowed to participate in all training camp and preseason activities, but his absence during the regular season start will shift more responsibility onto:
- Justin Jefferson, the team’s explosive WR1
- TJ Hockenson, Aaron Jones, and WRs like Jalen Nailor, Tai Felton, and Rondale Moore.
The offense will need creativity and ball distribution to help fill the void left by Addison’s speedy route-running and field-stretching ability.
🌟 Addison’s On-field Résumé
- Drafted 23rd overall in 2023, he quickly emerged as a reliable No. 2 target.
- 2023: 70 receptions, 911 yards, 10 touchdowns
- 2024: 63 catches, 875 yards, 9 touchdowns in 15 starts
Across his first two NFL seasons, Addison has totaled 133 catches, 1,786 yards, and 19 touchdowns in 32 games, proving he’s more than just “the other guy” opposite Jefferson.
🧠 What Fans & Fantasy Players Should Know
- Vikings fans: The offense might feel more compact early on. Without Addison’s deep-threat presence, the team could lean into short-to-intermediate passing and creative schemes.
- Fantasy leaguers: Addison’s draft stock should be viewed with caution. Think of him as a mid- to late-season stash, rather than an immediate contributor in Weeks 1–3.
Sometimes off-field decisions can dramatically shape the on-field story. Jordan Addison still has time to grow from this misstep—and return stronger. The Vikings have enough weapons around him to manage in the short term… but they’ll definitely feel the absence until Week 4.
📌 Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspension Length | 3 regular-season games (no pay) |
| Reason | Violation of NFL’s Substances of Abuse Policy (DUI case) |
| Plea Agreement | “Wet reckless” plea, probation, fine, educational courses |
| Games Missed | vs. Bears (away), vs. Falcons, vs. Bengals (home) |
| Eligible Return | Week 4 vs. Steelers in Dublin |
| Team Adjustments | Increased roles for Jefferson & other pass-catchers |
📚 Sources
- Vikings WR Jordan Addison suspended 3 games following plea deal – Reuters
- Report: Vikings brace for 3-game ban for Jordan Addison – Reuters
- NFL suspends Vikings’ Jordan Addison three games after DUI case – New York Post
- Vikings’ Jordan Addison suspended three games – ESPN
- US News – NFL suspends Vikings’ Jordan Addison for 3 games over DUI case
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