Vikings receiver Jordan Addison is still a ways behind Randy Moss’ NFL-record 17 touchdowns as a rookie in 1998, but he added two more scores during the first half of Monday night’s game against the 49ers.
Addison’s 20-yard touchdown grab from quarterback Kirk Cousins marked the Vikings’ first touchdown in a first quarter this season. He added a 60-yard touchdown just before halftime, ripping an errant deep throw out of 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward‘s hands before sprinting into the end zone to give the Vikings a 16-7 lead.
Addison, the 23rd overall pick out of USC, has six touchdowns — three more than any other NFL rookie. That ties the NFL record for the most through seven weeks by a rookie. He tied seven other players, including Moss and most recently the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase (2021).
Addison was also targeted on Cousins’ opening-drive interception. The pass appeared forced into physical coverage from Ward, who jammed Addison and landed the pick. It was the fourth opening drive that ended in a Vikings turnover this season.
Safety Camryn Bynum‘s helmet kept the 49ers off the scoreboard. His cranium jarred the ball loose on the next drive from 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, who was active despite an oblique injury. The Vikings’ takeaway ended San Francisco’s six-game streak of scoring on opening possessions.
The 49ers played without receiver Deebo Samuel and left tackle Trent Williams because of injuries. McCaffrey scored a touchdown later to give him a score in 16 consecutive games.
Cine remains healthy scratch
Safety Lewis Cine, the 2022 first-round pick, was inactive again despite being healthy. He hasn’t played since the Sept. 24 loss to the Chargers, when he suffered a hamstring strain. Cine missed two games because of the injury but has been scratched by the coaching staff for two games despite practicing fully and being available.
Cine has played 37 snaps on special teams and none on defense in three games this season. Cornerback NaJee Thompson, an undrafted rookie, was also a healthy scratch as coaches changed roles on special teams.
Risner makes first start
Dalton Risner made his first Vikings start at left guard, replacing Ezra Cleveland, whose 45-start streak ended because of a midfoot sprain suffered in last week’s win at Chicago. Cleveland had not missed a game because of injury since his 2020 rookie season.
Joseph misses again
Kicker Greg Joseph made the first 20 kicks of his season, but he missed another try when pushing an extra-point attempt wide right in the second quarter. Joseph had an extra-point attempt blocked and missed a 57-yard field goal in last week’s win at Chicago.
San Francisco kicker Jake Moody, the rookie third-round pick, missed a 40-yard field goal in the first quarter.
Etc.
• Above the first level on the east side of U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings placed 10 American flags to represent the 10 Americans who are being held hostage and were among the more than 200 people kidnapped by Hamas during the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks on Israel.
• Edge rusher Danielle Hunter‘s third-quarter sack was the 80th of his Vikings career, moving him past former teammate Everson Griffen (79.5) for seventh on the team’s all-time list.
• Receiver Trishton Jackson and outside linebacker Luiji Vilain were elevated from the practice squad for Monday night’s game. Receiver Jalen Nailor (hamstring) was held out despite practicing last week; he still needs to be activated from injured reserve.
• Receiver Justin Jefferson missed his second game while on injured reserve with a hamstring strain, watching from the sideline with an earpiece and radio to listen to the team’s offense.
• To the delight of the crowd, Gophers football players hoisted the Floyd of Rosedale in the end zone during a timeout in the second quarter after their 12-10 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday.