Mother of Vikings WR Provides Update after Brutal Hit

Explained: The WR Section of the Vikings New Depth Chart
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He’s going to be okay.

That’s the word from the mother of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn, who was knocked out of Sunday’s game with a concussion.

Mother of Vikings WR Provides Update after Brutal Hit

Valerie Osborn tweeted Monday morning, “Thank You for all the texts, calls and Dms.🫶🏽Very Very Scary minutes. Praise God KJ is Ok!! VIKING STRONG💪🏽💪🏽…This TEAM is amazing! Go Vikings Go! 💜.”

Mother of Vikings
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Here’s the tweet from Osborn’s mother:

The Vikings stunningly chipped off the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, 31-28, but not before two Falcons defenders drilled Osborn in the 2nd Quarter. The veteran wideout somehow secured the catch, was targeted by Atlanta, and left the game shortly thereafter, although totally cognizant.

Here’s the play:

Osborn’s teammates and Falcons players immediately dropped to knees, praying for Osborn, whose resume this season contains more action with Justin Jefferson on the shelf. It appeared Osborn was temporarily knocked out but regained full mental capacities soon after.

He understandably did not return and will likely hit the injury report this week.

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In Osborn’s stead, other contributors stepped up, including Brandon Powell, the team’s WR4, who scored the game-winning touchdown after a clutch throw from newcomer quarterback Josh Dobbs. Little-known Trishton Jackson also provided sparks, completing a two-point conversion with Dobbs while the game hung in the balance.

K.J. Osborn Does It Again
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The Vikings drafted Osborn in 2020 from Round 5, and it took about a year for the Miami alumnus to gain attention in Minnesota’s offense. But after that, he became the WR3 and even nibbled at WR2 responsibilities this season before rookie Jordan Addison’s sudden bust-out. Moreover, Osborn has remained a go-to option in clutch situations for the Vikings, always available to Kirk Cousins and others with a game on the line.

Minnesota defeated Atlanta 31-28 following Osborn’s departure, courtesy of a Josh Dobbs masterclass. Dobbs arrived in Eagan five days before the Falcons-Vikings showdown, had about four days to learn some plays, and proceeded to replace rookie passer Jaren Hall right away in the game after Hall, like Osborn, was concussed.

Giants and Vikings
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If Osborn cannot play this weekend at home versus the New Orleans Saints, the Vikings would likely pivot to more targets for the aforementioned Powell. Otherwise, Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor should return before too long, with one or both men possibly ready for Vikings-Saints in Week 10.

Osborn turned 26 in June.


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.