Vikings Make WR Decision After Justin Jefferson News

Jeffrey Becker - IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Vikings Make WR Decision After Justin Jefferson News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Oct 7, 2026 11:32 AM ET

The Minnesota Vikings have found their footing at 4-0 despite an offense that still looks far from complete. Kevin O’Connell’s group has leaned on a stingy defense and Will Reichard’s perfect leg through four weeks, all while working around uneven stretches from Kyler Murray and a prolonged absence from Justin Jefferson, the receiver this offense is ultimately built to go through.

Jefferson sprained his ankle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 and then sat out Minnesota’s 15-10 win over the Miami Dolphins, the first game he’s missed since 2023.

He wasn’t exactly piling up numbers that the Vikings expect from him before the injury, but the two-time All-Pro has 13 receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns with the team entering Week 5.

Former New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., now the with Minnesota Vikings.USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

O’Connell described Jefferson as “improving” this week, though the Week 6 bye gives the staff little reason to rush him back before he’s fully ready.

That timeline, paired with a receiver room still finding its identity behind Addison and Hockenson, pushed the Vikings to go looking for reinforcement, and they didn’t have to search long to find a name worth the gamble.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Vikings are signing Odell Beckham Jr. to their practice squad, having reached out to the three-time Pro Bowler almost immediately after the New York Giants released him on Sept. 29.

The speed of that pursuit says plenty about how Minnesota views the move, even on a practice squad deal.

BREAKING: Odell Beckham Jr. is signing with the #Vikings, per sources. pic.twitter.com/30XQwSTBvi
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 7, 2026

Beckham’s last stop was brief and unproductive, ending after three games and 19 snaps with the Giants and zero catches to show for it, and his most recent regular-season reception actually came with the Miami Dolphins back in 2024.

His veteran status still carries weight regardless – 575 catches, 7,987 yards and 59 touchdowns for his career, built on three straight Pro Bowl selections to start it.

He’s also no stranger to this staff, having caught 21 passes for 288 yards under O’Connell during the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl run in 2021, and his existing relationship with fellow LSU product Jefferson could make the fit in Minnesota an easy one.

The Vikings will hit the road to face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, with kickoff from Caesars Superdome set for 1 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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