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The Minnesota Vikings entered the offseason knowing they’d have to find a short-term replacement for Jordan Addison‘s inevitable suspension for the start of the season. That process led to selecting Tai Felton in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
While Felton may develop into an instant contributor, there’s no guarantee the rookie will be ready to make an impact right away in Week 1. With Addison ruled out for the first three games of the season, that would bump Jalen Nailor into a starting role opposite Justin Jefferson. Yet, now even that plan may be ruined.
On Thursday, Nailor suffered a hand injury during the team’s scrimmage against the New England Patriots. According to Skor North’s Darren Wolfson, there is “definite concern about Nailor’s left hand injury.” So, if Nailor’s status is now in doubt, that means the Vikings’ already thin receiving corps is in extreme danger.
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell on Josh Metellus and Jalen Nailor pic.twitter.com/CIoIR3qDBc
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 14, 2025
If the Minnesota Vikings find out that Nailor’s injury will keep him out for the start of the season, they’ll definitely sign or trade for another receiver. It’s getting a bit late in the process to add someone who’s expected to learn KOC’s offense and contribute in time for Monday night’s season opener against the Chicago Bears on September 8.
That leads us to suggest someone who’s already worked and thrived under O’Connell before, winning a Super Bowl ring in the process.
Should the Minnesota Vikings Sign Odell Beckham Jr?
The Vikings may have to get creative when it comes to finding an immediate contributor. While they had been hoping free agent signee Rondale Moore could help fill in during Addison’s suspension, he has since been ruled out with a season-ending injury.
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
That leads us to Odell Beckham Jr. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Beckham has “drawn interest” from several organizations, but he has yet to find a new team for the upcoming season.
Beckham’s name has far outweighed his game, really ever since he tore his ACL in Super Bowl LVI. However, prior to that, Beckham had been thriving under coach O’Connell, recording 288 yards in four playoff games, averaging a robust 72 yards per game.
Related: 4 Wide Receivers the Vikings Should Consider Acquiring
See, while Beckham is now 32 years old, the Vikings don’t need him to be a dominant force all season long. If they could just make him a secondary, complementary target to help draw some attention away from Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and a two-headed monster running game composed of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, perhaps OBJ could still relive the glory days, even if it’s just for three short weeks.
MN Vikings Also Monitoring Josh Metellus Injury
Jalen Nailor isn’t the only Minnesota Vikings player who got banged up during Thursday’s practice. Vikings do-it-all defender Josh Metellus also injured his shoulder.
Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Though, Metellus did pause and sign autographs for fans following practice. Coach Kevin O’Connell also didn’t seem too concerned about the status of his versatile starting safety either.
Yet, we’ll have to wait to learn more about the status of Nailor and Metellus when the Vikings’ medical team has more time to properly assess the severity of their injuries. We should know more about their status by tomorrow, certainly in time for the Vikings’ second preseason game on Saturday.
Related: Voice of Vikings Worried About Recent 1st Round Pick
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