After seven weeks, the Vikings are reactivating star receiver Justin Jefferson from the Injured Reserve, head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Tuesday.
It means Jefferson will be eligible, and likely, to play the team’s Week 14 road game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jefferson has been on the IR since after the Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, a game in which he suffered a hamstring injury. Minnesota had until Wednesday to activate Jefferson after opening his 21-day practice window, or they would have been forced to shut him down for the season.
Without Jefferson, the Vikings have gone 5-2, though have lost their past two game by a total of three points. Minnesota have a bye this Sunday before returning to action on Dec. 10 in Las Vegas.
Despite missing Jefferson for seven weeks and starting QB Kirk Cousins the past three weeks, the Vikings still have the third most passing yards in the league. Tight end T.J. Hockenson and rookie receiver Jordan Addison have stepped up in place of Jefferson.
At the time of his injury Jefferson was among the league leaders in receiving yards and with five weeks left to play still has a chance to break the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth consecutive season.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Monday that Jefferson was “very close” to return and is expected to “100% after the bye.” The injury is the first time Jefferson has missed time due to an injury in his career.
