The Vikings lost Justin Jefferson to an ankle injury during the first half of Sunday’s game in Tampa, but another receiver stepped up to make sure they went into halftime with a lead.
Jordan Addison was able to keep his toes on the ground as he caught a 30-yard pass from Kyler Murray to move the Vikings into Buccaneers territory in the second quarter, and then he went airborne to intercept a 41-yard pass from the quarterback two plays later. The score made it 17-10 Vikings with 4:11 to play in the half and the Vikings were able to force a punt with 1:46 to play by forcing Baker Mayfield into a third down.
The Vikings tried another deep throw to Addison on their ensuing possession, but he was unable to return it.
Jefferson left the game with an ankle injury in the first quarter and has been listed as questionable to return. He stayed on the sideline for most of the half, but went to the locker room a little early.
The Bucs lost Jalen McMillan to a knee injury and he has been ruled out. They could use someone to step up like Addison if they are going to get their first win of the year.