
Justin Jefferson injury update: Vikings star WR suffers hamstring strain
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Justin Jefferson injury update: Vikings star WR suffers hamstring strain
Justin Jefferson suffered a mild hamstring strain that will keep him out of practice. The Vikings will reevaluate Jefferson next week, but it’s unclear how long he will be sidelined as a result. The real concern is for the chemistry that the team is looking to develop on offense. J.J. McCarthy, the team’s first-round pick in 2024, missed his entire rookie season thanks to a torn meniscus in his right knee.
The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in somewhat of a transition season and it’s already off to rough start.
On Friday, head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed the star receiver Justin Jefferson suffered a mild hamstring strain that is set to keep him out of practice. The team will reevaluate Jefferson next week, but it’s unclear how long he will be sidelined as a result.
Veterans just reported to Vikings training camp on July 22.
Jefferson has been around the NFL block a few times, so his absence isn’t particularly concerning other than the nature of hamstring injuries – which have a tendency to be pesky.
The real concern, however, is for the chemistry that the team is looking to develop on offense.
J.J. McCarthy, the team’s first-round pick in 2024, missed his entire rookie season thanks to a torn meniscus in his right knee. While Sam Darnold filled in admirably for the 14-3 Vikings, Minnesota made the quarterback switch over the offseason to the former Michigan man.
It will be difficult for McCarthy to get on the same page with Jefferson without those valuable practice reps, but the star receiver is seemingly quarterback-proof.
That will be put to the test if Jefferson is sidelined for a significant length of time.
How long is Justin Jefferson out?
Jefferson will be out for at least a week.
The Vikings will reevaluate him after that and determine if he can be cleared for a return to practice at that time. Given the nature of the injury, the receiver will likely be eased back into action once he is ale to return.
Vikings WR depth chart
Here’s a look at the Vikings’ depth chart at receiver without Jefferson:
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson suffers hamstring injury, will be held out of practice
Justin Jefferson will be sidelined for a little while after the Minnesota Vikings’ star wide receiver suffered a mild hamstring strain during training camp. Head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters on Friday that the Vikings will hold Jefferson out of practice and re-evaluate him next week. Jefferson expressed some discomfort during practice on Thursday so he was held out of action Friday.
The good news is it’s considered a mild strain, so it shouldn’t keep Jefferson out for too long. Given his talent and importance to the team, it’s understandable that the Vikings will be extra cautious with their top playmaker.
O’Connell added that the Vikings avoided a more serious injury to Jefferson and that he has no doubt about the receiver being available for Week 1 against the Bears. Jefferson expressed some discomfort during practice on Thursday so he was held out of action Friday after receiving this diagnosis.
Jefferson is entering his sixth season in the NFL after making four Pro Bowls and being a four-time All-Pro selection, twice as a first-teamer. He was also the 2022 AP Offensive Player of the Year after leading the NFL with 128 catches and 1,809 yards receiving.
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