Dual reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero signal a Justin Jefferson return is increasingly unlikely this weekend.
Jefferson has missed the previous four games with a hamstring injury, the first missed time of his career. After spending the past four weeks on injured reserve the Vikings could open a 21-practice window for Jefferson, but as soon as that window opens they have 21 days to activate him for place him on IR for the rest of the season.
On ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown, Schefter said, “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.”
Justin Jefferson is now eligible to return from Injured Reserve đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/JfUiW6MsPz
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 6, 2023
Pelissero also reported Jefferson is “unlikely to play this Sunday against the Saints.“
Head coach Kevin O’Connell joined The Pat McAfee Show Monday and said Jefferson’s return is more than just about getting back now it’s also about the long-term.
“Justin Jefferson has killed his rehab so far, he’s in a great spot. We’re just now to the point where we could possibly open up his window, we’ll keep evaluating that throughout the week, maybe we can get him going here this week. I can tell you one thing Justin is so important, not only for every opportunity this season but for many, many more, hopefully, years to come as a Minnesota Viking,” said O’Connell.
Despite missing their star receiver the Vikings have gone 4-0 without Jefferson, passing for 1,053 yards in that stretch. Rookie receiver Jordan Addison has stepped up in a big way, catching 22 passes for 285 yards and four touchdowns the past four games.
O’Connell made clear Monday that Jefferson’s long-term health factors significantly in the decision to bring him back.
“So we’re going to make sure that we’re ultra-sensitive to getting him back to 100 percent before he’s out there,” the coach said. “And as well as he’s done with his rehab, we still have to be smart and make sure we’re looking out for Justin. Justin will be back out there when he’s ready to roll and nobody will be more happy about that than me.”
