After Vikings’ Jeshaun Jones Is Suspended For Substance Abuse, What’s Next For The WR?

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones has been suspended for three games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. His suspension began Aug. 30, so he can finish the preseason. The substance that he tested positive for was not released due to the NFL’s new substance abuse policy, which keeps that confidential as of 2024.

The NFL tests for certain drugs such as cocaine, marijuana and opioids every year, and players can be tested up to 10 times a month after they enter the substance abuse program.

Finishing the preseason is a big deal for Jones, who is currently trying to make the roster. The 26-year-old has been on and off the Vikings practice squad since entering the league and has played only one game last season as a punt returner, where he had a five-yard return.

According to reports, he is unlikely to make the team anyway, and if he gets cut on Aug. 30, he will still serve the suspension. The Vikings carry plenty of weapons at the wide receiver position, including superstar Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings. The ability to prove himself in the next few days before the preseason ends is a nice bonus, but the suspension can only hurt his chances to make an already stacked depth chart.

Unlike many of the cases in the NFL, this substance abuse policy is separate from their PED (performance-enhancing drugs) policy. Jennings was not using PEDs, and if he was, the suspension would have been much longer.

As stated before, the NFL roster deadline is Aug. 30, and the Vikings will have to choose by then whether to keep or cut Jennings. If Jennings is kept by the Vikings, his three-game suspension would begin the moment the roster deadline happens, and he could return at the end of week three.