MINNEAPOLIS — The Vikings didn’t simply lose their fourth sport in 5 weeks on Sunday. In addition they misplaced their easiest participant, superstar vast receiver Justin Jefferson, for no less than every other 4 weeks with a hamstring shock. Changing arguably the sport’s easiest move catcher received’t be simple, however Minnesota showcased one among Jefferson’s most likely fill-ins all over Moment 5’s loss to the Chiefs.

First-round rookie Jordan Addison is essentially the most herbal successor, offering unutilized route-running and just about serving to propel a comeback towards Kansas Town. Fourth-year worth guy Okay.J. Osborn is one among schoolmaster Kevin O’Connell’s depended on choices, even though he’s been specifically collision or omit as a move goal in 2023.

However it’s journeyman Brandon Powell who may get up to get pleasure from Jefferson’s absence essentially the most, nearest totaling 3 first downs on 5 touches and 6 objectives towards the Chiefs.

Undrafted in 2018, the diminutive Powell (5-8, 181) is technically indexed because the Negative. 5 WR at the Vikings’ intensity chart, and he’s on his 6th NFL group in as a few years. However the former Rams go back specialist, who signed a one-year offer in March, outplayed former first-rounder Jalen Reagor in coaching camp to earn a place at the group’s 53-man roster. On Sunday, his signature pace used to be obvious, particularly on a jet sweep that moved the chains in Chiefs area. As soon as Jefferson left, he tie 4 catches for 43 yards.

Powell’s dimension and elegance dictates that the majority of his utilization may come nearer to the order, if no longer on sweeps after monitors and short-area objectives. But when Addison can snatch his routes downfield to no less than draw one of the protection Jefferson would’ve warranted, with tight finish T.J. Hockenson additionally commanding consideration over the center, Powell may finally end up being O’Connell’s go-to for spill performs.

The veteran hasn’t ever crowned 160 receiving yards in his occupation, however his explode has additionally been sunlit on particular groups within the generation. In 2021, as a part of the Rams’ Tremendous Bowl group, he averaged 22 yards in line with punt go back and 26 yards in line with kick go back, week additionally scoring.