Vikings landed five-year NFL veteran to boost WR room ahead of the season…..
One of the 2024 season’s unexpected teams is the Minnesota Vikings. Few predicted that the Vikings, who faced the San Francisco 49ers early in the season, would be sitting at 2-0. Surprisingly, quarterback Sam Darnold has been doing well thus far in the season, to the point where some are questioning whether the Vikings should give him another season to serve as a backup to eventual starter J.J. McCarthy.
Even though Darnold has performed admirably so far this season, that might all change this week as the Vikings get ready to take on the Houston Texans. It’s highly possible that their wide receiver corps, which is usually a strength of the club, will be significantly reduced.
The 49ers game last week resulted in a quad injury for All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson. Although Jefferson didn’t seem to have a major injury, he was limited during practice on Wednesday. Even if Jefferson is able to play against the Texans on Sunday, it’s unlikely that he will be at his best.
However, wide receiver Jordan Addison is also suffering with a personal problem, this time a strain to his ankle. Addison is probably doubtful to play against the Texans because he was not there for Wednesday’s practice. As a result, the Vikings have serious concerns at the position going ahead and this week against Houston, as both injuries have a tendency to linger.
The Bleacher Report staff believes Minnesota should be a little more proactive in addressing the wide receiver area, even though they may be happy to wait out the injuries and watch how they develop. The Bleacher Report Scouting Department recommends the Vikings sign veteran wide receiver Russell Gage in their weekly essay detailing team needs going into the week and how clubs can address them.
Despite being only 28 years old, Gage has been a five-year veteran of the NFL when he started four games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022. Gage caught 51 catches for 426 yards and five touchdowns throughout that season.
Gage was good for over 700 yards in each of the 2020 and 2021 Atlanta Falcons seasons, which marked his most fruitful period. If he stays in condition, Gage may give the team a reliable receiving option in case Jefferson or Addison aren’t available. He could also challenge for the team’s third option once those two are fit.
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