There's been a lot of talk about the unorthodox start to the 2026 Minnesota Vikings season, with everyone struggling. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings can't let that happen in Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins.
This game will differ from the Vikings' past games because they won't have their star receiver, Justin Jefferson, out with an ankle injury. That will put pressure on Jordan Addison and Jennings to step up while Jefferson is out.
While Addison stepped up in the Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jennings was not as impactful, with one reception for one yard. The Vikings hope not to have the same kind of results from Jennings again in Week 4.
Jauan Jennings needs to step up for Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 against the Dolphins
When the Vikings signed Jennings in the offseason, they hoped he would bring a spark to the offense as the WR3 and add size to the team. He delivered on that expectation throughout his first five years for the San Francisco 49ers.
Over the last two years, Jennings has caught over 1,600 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. He has never had a completion over 50 yards, but he has been consistent, averaging over 12 yards per reception.
Addison will use his speed and route running to get open, which has helped him. With Jefferson's style of play, Jennings needs to play the same way.
The Vikings don't need Jennings to be Jefferson, but they do need him to be similar in some way. Minnesota leans more on the short, intermediate passing game, like slants and breaking routes. What the Vikings need Jennings to establish is being their reliable third-down receiver and winning those contested battles with corners.
Minnesota will lean on the running game, led by Aaron Jones, who found some success with 17 carries for 58 yards against the Buccaneers. The Vikings need the running game to go, but that won't happen without Jennings taking a significant step up from his play at the start of the year.
In the wide receiver room, outside of Jefferson and Addison, the Vikings haven't gotten the production they wanted. Jennings is the only other receiver to catch a pass, as Tai Felton and Myles Price have no receptions between them.
This Dolphins-Vikings game could really determine how much Jennings is used in the offense for the rest of the season, or whether Minnesota needs to consider a change. The NFL's worst passing attack needs him to help Kyler Murray a lot.
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