The Minnesota Vikings are taking no chances with one of the most important players on their roster.
Per head coach Kevin O’Connell, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson experienced tightness in his hamstring during Thursday’s practice, ending his session early. The Vikings sent him for an MRI and he will be out indefinitely, at least until he’s re-evaluated next week, according to ESPN's report.
The only starts Jefferson has missed over the past four seasons came in 2023, when he was limited to 10 games after injuring his hamstring in a Week 5 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Jefferson showed a ton of resolve that season, returning after the team’s Week 13 bye despite Minnesota losing back-to-back games to fall to 6-6. The Vikings wound up finishing 7-7 and missing the playoffs.
O’Connell called this new injury a strain, and a “very mild” one at that. Per Vikings reporter Kevin Seifert of ESPN: “No firm timetable but Week 1 does not appear in jeopardy.”
While avoiding a longer term soft-tissue issue will be priority No. 1 for the Vikings over the next couple of weeks, it will be interesting to see how the team handles Jefferson’s reps for the remainder of training camp and the preseason. Jefferson’s a sixth-year veteran who will be ready to shine whenever the lights come on for real in September, but any reps missed with young quarterback J.J. McCarthy this summer will be notable.
Minnesota has a well-stocked depth chart at wide receiver, so it should be business as usual in the meantime. Jordan Addison will slot in at the WR1 spot in Jefferson’s absence, with Jalen Nailor and rookie Tai Felton the other roster locks. Rondale Moore, veteran Tim Jones and intriguing undrafted rookie Silas Bolden could get extended run on offense next week.
The key date for fans to circle will be Aug. 13, when the Vikings are scheduled to host the New England Patriots for two days of joint practices. The team will want its top wide receiver on the field for what should be some good live action against cornerback Christian Gonzalez and New England’s talented defense.
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