Why Jordan Addison Was Benched in 1Q of Vikings' Win vs. Browns Revealed

Before playing the role of hero with the game-winning touchdown catch in the fourth quarter of the Minnesota Vikings' 21-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns, Jordan Addison was surprisingly on the bench for the entire first quarter.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell explained that Addison was benched for disciplinary reasons due to missing a walkthrough earlier in the week.

ustin Jefferson said after the win he "had words" with Addison about missing the walkthrough and that he wants to do more to help make sure the third-year wideout's "head is on straight."

There was confusion when the game started and Addison wasn't being used. He wasn't on the team's official injury report, nor was there any indication he suffered an injury occurred during pregame warmups.

ESPN's Kevin Seifert reported as the first quarter was going on that Addison's benching was due to a coach's decision.

Addison caught his first pass on the opening possession of the second half. He finished the game with 41 yards on five receptions. His biggest catch was a 12-yard touchdown with 25 seconds remaining that gave the Vikings a lead.

This was Addison's second game back after serving a three-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy to start the season. He didn't skip a beat last week with four catches for 114 yards in a 24-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Even though the Vikings staff was clearly unhappy with Addison for the situation that popped up this week, his ability to make an impact in a crucial moment will ease some of the sting.

Addison's big moment also helped the Vikings get back over the .500 mark in what has been an inconsistent start to the season. They are now 3-2, trading wins and losses in each week.

After spending the past two weeks playing overseas with games in Ireland and England, the Vikings will have a bye in Week 6 before returning to play the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 19.