The Vikings confirmed Saturday that wide receiver Justin Jefferson will be held out of Sunday night’s game against the Broncos, marking the sixth straight game without him as he continues to inch his way closer to a return from a hamstring injury.
By waiting one more week, the Vikings could give Jefferson an extra day to prepare for the Nov. 27 game against the Chicago Bears and ease him in with the team’s bye the following week.
Jefferson still ranks third on the team with 36 receptions, 571 yards and three touchdowns this season but has missed the last five games due to his injury. The Vikings haven’t missed a beat however, winning all five games and climbing into the final playoff spot in the NFC.
While Jefferson is out, the Vikings got better news on Alexander Mattison, who entered concussion protocol after last week’s win over the New Orleans Saints.
According to the Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling, “all signs were good” after Mattison logged a full practice on Friday and Goessling expects that Mattison will play against the Broncos.
Mattison leads the Vikings with 461 rushing yards this season but is still looking for his first rushing touchdown. Mattison is also averaging just 2.5 yards per carry over his last three games, which along with a season-ending injury to Cam Akers, has opened the door for Ty Chandler, who ran 15 times for 45 yards and a touchdown against the Saints.
The Vikings will face the Broncos with a 7:20 p.m. kickoff on Sunday.
