It Doesn’t Look Good for Justin Jefferson This Weekend
While Minnesota Vikings phenom wide receiver Justin Jefferson is eligible to return this weekend, it doesn’t seem like that’ll actually happen.
At least not yet.
It Doesn’t Look Good for Justin Jefferson This Weekend
Jefferson injured his hamstring in Week 5 in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He hit the shelf for at least four games, and wouldn’t you know it? The Vikings somehow won the next four games without him. What a world.
Vikings fans were optimistic about Jefferson’s as-soon-as-possible return, mainly because the recovery updates from Eagan in the last month have been supremely encouraging. Yet, as the rubber hits the road on his return, all signs point to Jefferson missing his fifth consecutive game.
NFL.com reported Tuesday, “WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is unlikely to play this Sunday against the Saints, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported. Jefferson currently is on injured reserve but is eligible to have his 21-day practice window opened.”
Before the injury, Jefferson tabulated 36 receptions for 571 yards and 3 touchdowns in 5 games. The man was on pace for his best season to date, which was obviously hampered by the IR stint.
Too, ESPN’s Adam Schefter mentioned Jefferson’s prognosis before Monday Night Football on November 6th, “We’ll see when Justin Jefferson can get back. Initially, when he hurt the hamstring, it was projected to be a 4-6 week injury. This is four weeks. He’s going to be meeting with doctors. Kevin O’Connell said today they’ll get an update later in the week. It’s still an ongoing process. It doesn’t sound like he’s coming back this week, but it doesn’t sound like he’s far away either.”
In Jefferson’s stead, a group effort involving tight end T.J. Hockenson, plus wide receivers Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, Brandon Powell, and Trishton Jackson, have helped keep the offense afloat. Moreover, the club’s defense has become a Top 10 bunch since Jefferson hit IR, an odd coincidence that should bode well when he rejoins the roster.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said on The Pat McAfee Show Monday, “As well as he’s done with his rehab, we still have to be smart and make sure we’re looking out for Justin.”
Based on all the credible reporting, Vikings fans should circle Week 11 — not this weekend — as Jefferson’s hopeful return date.
The Vikings offense improved without Jefferson — yes, you read that correctly — from 17th per EPA/Play from Weeks 1-5 to 7th in EPA/Play in Weeks 6-9.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.