“Jets” is Grounded, But Next Vikes Wideouts Step Up
Vikings Territory Breakdown
Panic struck Vikings training camp at TCO Performance Center as news surfaced early last week about wide receiver Justin Jefferson tweaking a hamstring in practice. This is concerning because he is the best player on the team, one of the best players in the league and the center point of the Vikings offense. Jefferson missed seven games two seasons ago with a hammy, so the Vikings coaching staff is paying close attention and basically shutting him down for camp. Jefferson would not have played in the preseason games regardless, but now he won’t be the focal point of camp visitors, as he will spend a lot of time on the sidelines.
The injury has been called a mild strain, and the Vikings are taking no chances. But that means it opens up opportunities for a young and eager wide receiver group to take advantage of the additional reps in practice. And when you consider that wideout Jordan Addison will be watching from the sidelines as the season begins (due to an off-field incident that will likely result in a suspension by the league), players such as Jalen Nailor and rookie Tai Felton have a chance to shine.
Therefore, the co-hosts of Vikings Territory Breakdown podcast (Joe Oberle, senior writer at vikingsterritory.com and purplePTSD.com and Mark Craig, NFL and Vikings writer for the Star Tribune and startribune.com) are going to talk about the wide receivers (in fact, Craig already has with a story on Nailor in the Star Tribune). They will offer other observations about Vikings training camp, such as the signing of Swiss army Knife Josh Metellus, the hyper focus on Dallas Turner, the new faces on defense, and, as per usual, the QB situation and a look at the backups. So, tune into the podcast and check it all out. Skol!
