Jordan Addison clears concussion protocol, participates in Vikings practice

The Minnesota Vikings received some promising news on the injury front Wednesday, as rookie wideout Jordan Addison returned to practice after clearing concussion protocol.

Addison, placed in concussion protocol on Aug. 16, took part in drills in the joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals, flashing the ability which made him the 23rd overall selection in April’s NFL Draft.

#Vikings first round pick Jordan Addison has looked unstoppable right now! pic.twitter.com/S6zQsJNXb6

— Leighton Glodek (@LGlodek) August 23, 2023

Addison began his collegiate career at Pitt, where he became one of the top receivers in the nation. He captured the Biletnikoff Award in his final season with the Panthers after hauling in 100 receptions for 1,593 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.

Addison entered the transfer portal after the 2021 season, with USC coming out on top for his services. While it took him a bit to adjust to Lincoln Riley’s offense, Addison still put up impressive numbers in 2022. He amassed 59 receptions for 875 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Now in Minnesota, he joins a supporting cast which includes star receiver Justin Jefferson, K.J. Osborn and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Addison believes the Vikings’ offense will be a nightmare for opposing defenses in 2023.

“I feel like my skills fit perfectly for what we’re trying to do,” Addison recently said, via Sports Illustrated. “Like I said, it is a lot. But once you get it all down, the receivers we’ve got in this room, I don’t think nobody is going to be able to cover us.”

Jordan Addison earning praise from Kirk Cousins

Addison has continued to earn the trust from quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has been impressed with his ability to make contested catches — something he seldom did at USC. Of his 81 total targets last season, just 17 were contested.

“I want to see greatness at the catch point,” Cousins recently said, via ESPN. “In this league, you’re going to make contested catches. Coverage is going to be tight. I’m going to have to throw it in tight windows… You’ve got to show me, with somebody draped over you or someone about to come hit you, that you will have strong hands and make that catch. That’s what Justin does well, that’s what Adam [Thielen] does well, that’s what K.J. does well [and] T.J. [Hockenson].

“It’s not for the faint of heart. And you have to have strong hands… I think you can have all the athleticism in the world. But with how good the guys are covering you, if you’re not really strong at the catch point, it’s going to be hard to consistently be successful. That’s what I see from Jordan, is he’s pretty natural at the catch point, which is exciting.”