Justin Jefferson is out, which makes Jordan Addison a must-start receiver and Aaron Jones a key part of Minnesota's offense in Week 4.
The Minnesota Vikings enter their home game against the Dolphins without their top receiver. Jefferson sprained his left ankle in the Week 3 win over Tampa Bay and was ruled out Friday after missing every practice.
Punter Brett Thorson and cornerback Charles Demmings are also out. Aaron Jones, Blake Cashman, Christian Darrisaw and Harrison Smith carry no game designation.
The #Vikings’ final injury report of the week; Blake Cashman was back to full participation on Friday: pic.twitter.com/UolWMK0sFq
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) October 2, 2026
Jefferson out; Addison steps up
Jefferson did not practice Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Coach Kevin O'Connell said the goal is to get him back on the practice field next week. The Vikings play at New Orleans in Week 5 and then have a Week 6 bye, so Jefferson has time to heal.
Addison becomes the top target for Kyler Murray. He caught five passes for 90 yards and a 41-yard touchdown last week. Without Jefferson in that game, he drew nine targets, a 36 percent share.
Kyler Murray with a rocket to Jordan Addison for the TD 🚀@MINvsTB on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/VaM63tFsfW— NFL (@NFL) September 27, 2026
Addison is a high-end WR3 at worst and he is a must-start in three-receiver leagues.
In seven career games without Jefferson, Addison has 35 catches for 437 yards and four touchdowns. Start him with confidence.
Murray and the passing game
Murray gets a mixed outlook. Losing Jefferson hurts the quarterback's ceiling, and it's hard to trust Murray without him. The matchup is favorable, though, so he works as a fine streaming option rather than a must-start.
Article Continues BelowT.J. Hockenson also benefits. He is as a high-end TE2 without Jefferson against a defense that struggles with in-line tight ends. Hockenson is not on the injury report, which keeps his outlook clean.
Elsewhere, Jauan Jennings and Tai Felton should see more snaps and could chip in as deep-league flex options. Neither should be a primary plan, but both are worth monitoring.
Jones, Darrisaw and the offense
Jones was listed for rest and practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. He has no game designation, and no injury concern is attached. Minnesota may lean on the ground game in a positive game script, which would make Jones a must-start running back.
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw sat out Friday for rest and carries no designation. Treat that as maintenance rather than a setback. Still, check the inactive list, which arrives roughly 90 minutes before kickoff, for final confirmation.
Start Jones and lean on the ground game. Pair that with Addison as the top passing option, and you can feel good about the Minnesota offense even without its star receiver.
Defense and specialists
Safety Harrison Smith was limited Friday while resting, and he has no designation. Linebacker Blake Cashman worked his way from limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday to a full practice Friday with an elbow injury. Both appear on track to play.
Demmings is out with a hamstring injury after missing every practice. His absence thins the cornerback group slightly, but it should not change the outlook for Minnesota's defense much.
Thorson is out with a right hamstring injury. That is a minor storyline unless your league scores punters, which almost none do.