Addison has just two catches through two games, but a bigger role could be exactly what Minnesota’s struggling offense needs against Tampa Bay.
The Minnesota Vikings have struggled to generate consistent offensive production through the first two weeks of the 2026 season, and finding ways to get Jordan Addison more involved could be one potential solution heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Through two games, the Vikings are averaging just 242.5 total offensive yards per game, the lowest mark in the NFL. Their passing game has also struggled to find its rhythm, averaging only 129.5 passing yards per game, which ranks second-worst in the league.
Those numbers emphasize the need for Minnesota to find another spark in the passing game.
Addison could be the guy capable of providing it.
Through the first two weeks, Addison has been targeted seven times but has caught only two passes for 21 yards. That lack of involvement stands out for a player who has established himself as one of the Vikings' primary offensive weapons and gives Minnesota an obvious area to explore as they look to create more opportunities through the air.
Minnesota cannot afford to remain one-dimensional through just their dominant rushing attack, especially if they continue to struggle to generate explosive plays.
If Kevin O'Connell can get the passing game going, while taking advantage of Addison's ability to take attention away from Justin Jefferson, it could give Kyler Murray the chance to attack defenses rather than relying heavily on one guy.
The Buccaneers will be another test for a Vikings offense that has yet to establish much consistency. Minnesota needs to find a way to get Addison involved early. It could be exactly what the unit needs to get on a roll and find a rhythm.
It does not necessarily mean forcing the ball to Addison on every possession. But Minnesota could look for ways to find opportunities for him through designed plays and situations that allow him to use his ability after the catch. Just like they have in the past.
The Vikings have plenty of questions to answer offensively after two weeks. With this week being the true debut of Kyler Murray in Minnesota following his 11 snap season opener, a lot of questions could be answered.
Getting Addison more involved will not automatically fix those problems. However, his playmaking ability and explosiveness could be the jumpstart they need. There is a clear opportunity for Minnesota to give one of their important offensive pieces a larger role.
Against Tampa Bay, finding that balance could be an important step toward getting the Vikings' offense moving in the right direction.
