Latest NFL suspension will leave an early season opponent of the Cincinnati Bengals undermanned

Drafted 23rd overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Addison has amassed 133 catches for 1,786 yards and 19 touchdowns during his first two seasons in Minnesota. He's the No. 2 receiver with Justin Jefferson being the No. 1.

Addison has played one game against Cincinnati. Then a rookie, he caught six passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns in Week 15 of the 2023 season. The Bengals ended up winning in overtime, 27-24, despite one of the most productive games of his career to date.

Addison was arrested in July of 2024 for a DUI after he was found asleep in the driver's seat of his car in California. He resolved the citation last month by pleading no contest to a "wet reckless" charge, a plea bargain that amounts to a misdemeanor indicating the involvement of alcohol or drugs.

The Vikings will have two games to adjust without Addison in the lineup, but Cincinnati will naturally have an easier time focusing on Jefferson that week. The benefit of the Bengals rostering both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is defenses have to pick their poison. Minnesota has a similar luxury along with tight end T.J. Hockenson running up the seams. Taking away one of those options will lead the way to a slightly different approach.

Much can change for both teams between now and Week 3, but Cincinnati knows for certain defending Addison will not be a part of the game plan.