One of the Vikings’ more exciting young players may not be eligible to start the 2024 season.
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Vikings receiver Jordan Addison was charged on July 31 with two misdemeanors relating to his DUI arrest last month in Los Angeles County which could warrant a three-game suspension from the NFL based on its substance abuse policy.
Addison, Minnesota’s first-round pick in 2023, was arrested on July 14 after being found “asleep behind the wheel” near Los Angeles International Airport.
The receiver was determined to have a blood-alcohol content above the legal limit of .08 percent while situated in his Rolls Royce, according to the Star Tribune.
Moreover, Addison has a court date set for Oct. 7 in Los Angeles — during the team’s bye week — to “be arraigned and enter his plea for the charges.”
Criminal punishment for the 22-year-old could include up to six months in jail, a maximum fine of $2,000 or revoking his driver’s license for up to six months.
During his rookie season, Addison blossomed in the absence of superstar Justin Jefferson, who played in only 10 games due to a hamstring injury.
The former Pitt and USC standout amassed 70 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in his debut campaign.
With the Vikings securing Jefferson on a historic contract and returning Addison, both are viewed as long-term offensive cornerstones.
Now, there’s a solid shot that either rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy or veteran Sam Darnold will be without Addison to start the season.
The Vikings open the season on the road against the host 49ers and Texans in their first three games.
Last season, Minnesota ended 7-10 as quarterback Kirk Cousins suffered an Achilles tear just eight games into the year.
The new-look Vikings — who also added running back Aaron Jones, defensive end Jonathan Greenard, first-round edge rusher Dallas Turner and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel — will compete in an NFC North division that’s potentially the best in football.
Minnesota looks for its first playoff win since 2019 in Kevin O’Connell’s third year calling the shots.