Vikings Given Concerning News Before Saints Matchup

The Minnesota Vikings approach a crossroad as they move toward an early matchup against the New Orleans Saints (1-3). The Vikings are 4-0 but have a clear limiting factor. The Vikings offense is holding the team back.

How is an undefeated team being held back? They're simply not beating teams like they're capable of beating them. Frankly, they're winning games they may not win in the postseason.

The Vikings are certainly capable of playoff caliber offense. They have the weapons to do so. Unfortunately, they make lack more than one of them on Sunday.

Lou Lander of The Big Lead discussed the concerning injury situation facing the Vikings heading into a Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Here's some of what Landers had to write about the status of star wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

"Minnesota is elevating Odell Beckham Jr. from the practice squad for the game, adding insurance with both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison listed as questionable. The bigger story remains the status of Minnesota’s top two receivers.

Jefferson is dealing with an ankle injury that caused him to miss Week 4 against Miami. He was limited throughout this week’s practices but remains officially questionable for Sunday’s game. Addison, meanwhile, is dealing with a hamstring injury. He did not practice Wednesday before returning as a limited participant Thursday and Friday.

The Vikings’ decision to elevate Beckham does not confirm that either receiver will miss the game, but it gives the team additional protection with both players still carrying questionable designations.

With Minnesota entering the matchup at 4-0 and facing a Saints team that is 1-3, the Vikings have little reason to take unnecessary risks with either receiver if they are not fully ready. The fact that Beckham is now available provides Minnesota with another option while the team makes its final decisions on Jefferson and Addison."

If there is a team to get one's offense right against it's the hapless New Orleans Saints defense. The Saints are coming off a 45-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Then again, the Saints probably look across at the Vikings offense and feel the same opportunity ahead for their struggling defense.

The Vikings can still get things going offensively without Addison and perhaps without Jefferson as well. However, it will take a different approach than the team has taken in the first few games. They will hope to get right against New Orleans on Sunday.