Big question around 49ers gameplan grows more pressing following massive Vikings injury news

The San Francisco 49ers' defeat to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7 last year was in large part down to wide receiver Jordan Addison.

Addison had 123 yards and two touchdowns in the Vikings' Monday Night Football victory over the 49ers, his second score coming at the end of the first half following an ill-advised zero blitz call from then San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

But the 2023 first-round pick will not be available for the Week 2 matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium, after the Vikings ruled him out with an ankle injury, which was suffered following a hip drop tackle in Minnesota's season-opening win at the New York Giants.

It theoretically makes a Minnesota offense that shredded the Giants with former 49ers backup Sam Darnold at quarterback easier for San Francisco to defend.

However, with Justin Jefferson, the man widely regarded as the best receiver in football, on the field, the Niners certainly won't be taking the Minnesota passing attack lightly even with Addison missing.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said of Jefferson this week: "There’s not an angle he can’t really run at, at full speed and drop his weight. He’s also fearless in how he plays, his hands are as good as anyone.

"I don’t know him personally, but from what I’ve heard people who have been with him, they say, I’ve heard he’s one of the smartest players that people I know say they’ve been with. He’s the full package."

Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen was non-committal when asked if the 49ers' All-Pro cornerback Charvarius Ward would travel with Jefferson on Sunday. The absence of Addison makes that question more pertinent, and will potentially make it easier for the Niners to decide to have Ward stick with Jefferson given the Vikings' backups do not possess Addison's upside.

Regardless of what the 49ers decide in that regard, they will be very relieved to not have to go against Addison.

Related: Kyle Shanahan gets some good news on the injury front as 49ers continue preparations for Vikings