Heading into training camp, the only major injury story for the Minnesota Vikings was TJ Hockenson’s recovery from his torn ACL. He sustained the injury in December and underwent surgery in late January. The recovery could take until the 2024 season. That’s still the case, but recent events have overshadowed Hockenson’s return.

The long list of injured Vikings was expanded by a new addition on Wednesday

JJ McCarthy’s season-ending knee surgery was a blow to the franchise after he performed brilliantly in his only preseason game. That was enough for Vikings fans to believe the organization had finally found a franchise quarterback. That excitement lasted a few days and completely dissipated on Tuesday.

Now it’s Sam Darnold’s turn. The projected bridge quarterback and former third pick will now quarterback the Vikes for a full season and lead the offense with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as the main weapons.

On Wednesday, however, that wide receiver duo was suddenly in danger when Addison was injured on the first of two days of joint practice with Kevin Stefanski’s Browns in Cleveland.

Alec Lewis (The athlete) tweeted during the injury: “Vikings WR Jordan Addison just went down. He dove for a contested ball. He is limping off the field with the help of trainers.”

A few months later, he added that the sophomore was carted off the field, which of course immediately suggests a serious injury.

Later, head coach Kevin O’Connell was optimistic that he would soon be back on the field despite crutches, according to Ben Goessling (The Star Tribune): “Jordan Addison was on crutches and had a walking boot on his left foot after the Vikings’ practice in Cleveland today, I’m told. Kevin O’Connell said Addison’s ankle injury does not appear to be serious. Addison will not practice Thursday; we’ll see how long it takes him to recover.”

VikingsTerritories Dustin Baker wrote on Wednesday evening: “Sources report VikingTerritory that Addison’s injury is “minor” and will not be season-ending. To be clear – the source is not the assurances of head coach Kevin O’Connell.”

A serious, long-term absence should not be expected. Unfortunately, ankle sprains also usually require a few weeks off and can linger for a long time, especially in explosive athletes like Addison.

Addison is a key part of O’Connell’s offense as Jefferson’s primary wing player. He posted 911 receiving yards and ten touchdowns in his rookie season, establishing himself as one of the better WR2s in the NFL.

In his second year, Addison wants to be more prepared at the line of scrimmage, as he revealed in May: “My main focus has been on my releases, and I feel like it’s paying off. My work is paying off out there. I just have to have a plan when I get to the line of scrimmage, be determined, and make sure I’m focused on my releases.”

The second-year student added: “I feel like things are going well so far. Last year I wasn’t as confident with my publications, I wasn’t goal-oriented and didn’t have a plan when it was my turn. I was freelancing and trying to do my best to make something work, but now my focus is on that (having a plan).”

In July, the bankruptcy trustee made negative headlines when he was arrested in California. The incident will likely result in a suspension.

The season opener is in three and a half weeks when the New York Giants host the Vikings. It remains to be seen whether Addison will be fit in time for this game or whether he will be out.

Rookie quarterback McCarthy and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, who tore his ACL last month, will definitely not play. Hockenson’s absence is likely but not confirmed. Experienced cornerback Shaq Griffin had to watch practice from the sidelines for weeks.

Minnesota’s coaches have their hands full, but at least Addison seems to have escaped serious injury.

Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and statistics. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their then quarterback Christian Ponder. He is a walking football encyclopedia, enjoys watching sitcoms and prefers classic rock to other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt