Justin Jefferson active for Vikings in New Orleans as Jordan Addison sits with hamstring injury

Updated October 11, 11:40 a.m. EDT: the Vikings’ official inactive list confirms Jefferson will play and Addison will not.

Justin Jefferson is active for the Minnesota Vikings against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, returning from the ankle sprain that kept him out of last week’s win, while Jordan Addison is among Minnesota’s seven inactive players at the Caesars Superdome.

The club’s list, posted 90 minutes before the 1:00 p.m. EDT kickoff, matched what Jeff Darlington had reported earlier in the morning: Jefferson arrived ready to play and Addison, nursing a hamstring strain, was not expected to dress. Ben Goessling reported that Minnesota chose to be careful with Addison because the team’s bye comes next week, which gives him two more weeks to heal before the Vikings play again.

Sunday’s #Vikings inactives pic.twitter.com/I2XjmcrUVa

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 11, 2026

Who sits for each side

Minnesota’s inactives are Addison, left tackle Christian Darrisaw, Jakobe Thomas, Chuck Demmings, Elijah Williams, quarterback Max Brosmer and Odell Beckham Jr. The veteran receiver’s absence is a surprise after the Vikings elevated him from the practice squad on Saturday; Jeshaun Jones, promoted alongside him, is in uniform. Right tackle Brian O’Neill, questionable with a knee injury, is not on the list and is set to play.

For New Orleans, linebacker Kaden Elliss and edge rusher Anfernee Jennings are out as expected, along with safety Mike Reid, guard Jeremiah Wright, defensive linemen Vernon Broughton and Nathan Shepherd, and Zach Wilson as the designated third quarterback. That leaves Alvin Kamara and safety Julian Blackmon, both questionable on Friday, available to play.

A week of uncertainty at receiver

Jefferson sprained his ankle in the September 27 game at Tampa Bay and sat out the following week against the Miami Dolphins. He was limited in practice on Friday and had said on Wednesday that his goal was to be on the field in New Orleans. On Sunday morning, Ian Rapoport reported that both receivers would test their injuries in pregame workouts before the team made its call.

Justin Jefferson arrived at the Superdome with his cleats draped over his bag, ready to give it a go today despite an ankle injury that limited him this week. Barring a setback, you can expect Jefferson to play. Jordan Addison, on the other hand, isn’t likely to be active.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) October 11, 2026

The injuries reach beyond the receiver room. Darrisaw is in the concussion protocol, and left guard Donovan Jackson is expected to miss the rest of the regular season with a knee injury suffered last week. Minnesota also activated center Michael Jurgens and tight end Ben Yurosek from injured reserve on Saturday.

Where the teams stand

The Vikings arrive at 4-0 after grinding out a 15-10 home win over the Dolphins on Sunday, October 4, without Jefferson. The Saints are 1-3 and coming off a 45-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at home on Monday night, so they have had a short week to prepare for an unbeaten visitor. Every designation for both clubs is on the injury report, and the game can be followed in the Game Center.

What comes next

After Sunday, Minnesota is off until Sunday, October 25, when it hosts the Indianapolis Colts at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The Saints travel to face the New York Giants on Sunday, October 18, also at 1:00 p.m. EDT.