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Jordan Addison #3 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before facing the Houston Texans.

The Minnesota Vikings will not have wide receiver Jordan Addison for the first three games of the season due to a suspension after he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of “wet reckless” stemming from a DUI citation in July 2024, and that has drawn attention.

It is significant not only to the Vikings but also to the Kansas City Chiefs and their top wide receiver, Rashee Rice. Rice pleaded guilty to multiple felonies but has yet to receive his discipline.

The entire situation is sparking anecdotal mentions of a potential “conspiracy.”

“On July 17, Vikings receiver Jordan Addison resolved a DUI citation by pleading guilty to a lesser misdemeanor charge, with no jail time,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote on August 14. “On July 17, Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice pleaded guilty to a pair of felonies arising from a street racing crash that was caught on video, and that caused multiple injuries. He’ll serve 30 days and spend five years on probation. And he’ll be on the field for at least the first four games of the season, because his disciplinary hearing won’t happen until September 30.

“It makes no sense. And it’s making some wonder whether someone wants Rice to be available for a quartet of high-profile Kansas City games to start the season.”

Florio noted the Chiefs open the season against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil. They face the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. They play the New York Giants on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 3 and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4.

Rice, a Super Bowl champion, could also be available against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5.

The Vikings will have gotten Addison back by then. Still, the sentiments around Rice’s situation shed a different light on the plight in Minnesota.

Vikings WR Jordan Addison Mired in ‘Conspiracy’ Theory

An anonymous league source considered how Rice’s situation has been handled abnormally, like it did for Addison and the Vikings. Florio noted that details are typically sorted out by Week 1. The source admitted potentially sounding like a “conspiracy theorist” but said, “This is odd.”

“You hardly ever see players get suspended in season unless they did something in season like a drug test or something,” the source said, per Florio.

Florio’s suggestion of potential favoritism by the league drew fan criticism, which he rejected.

“At a time when many think the league favors the Chiefs, situations like this will not become evidence to the contrary,” Florio wrote. “If anything, it looks like the dominos have fallen in a way to ensure that Rice will be available for four, and likely five, high-profile games to be played on YouTube, CBS, NBC, Fox, and ESPN/ABC.”

Addison participated in MADD programs between his arrest and the resolution of his case. Moreover, he has been willing to accept whatever punishment came his way.

The Vikings are dealing with several other issues at receiver beyond Addison, as well.

‘Concern’ Emerges About Vikings WR Jalen Nailor

Addison has had a strong training camp, building chemistry with J.J. McCarthy, which offers hope he will hit the ground running when he returns in Week 4. But No. 1 wideout Justin Jefferson remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Moreover, No. 3 receiver Jalen Nailor exited Thursday’s practice early with a hand injury.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell updated the status of Nailor. He also updated safety Josh Metellus, who picked up a shoulder issue during the session.

There remains “concern” over Nailor’s injury.

“Yes, was a day of lots of success for the #Vikings. McCarthy was brilliant, for the most part,” KSTP’s Darren Wolfson posted on X on August 14. “But my biggest takeaway: Definite concern about WR Jalen Nailor’s left hand injury.”

Lewis also noted Vikings’ depth at wide receiver “warrants convo” in light of Nailor and Jefferson’s injuries and Addison’s looming suspension.

Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter

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