The Minnesota Vikings are making final preparations for their Week 1 season opener against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. Leading up to the game, there has been some question about superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Jefferson has been dealing with a hamstring injury throughout training camp and preseason action. He has been focused on getting back to full health for Week 1, but there has still been some concern about his status.
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, the Vikings will have a new starting quarterback. J.J. McCarthy will take over the job after Sam Darnold left in free agency. In order for the second-year signal caller to find success, he will need Jefferson to be on the field.
Now, the wideout himself has spoken out with an update about his injury status.
During an interview with D.J. Siddiqi of The Escapist, Jefferson revealed that he's feeling great and ready to go against the Bears.
"Hamstring is feeling great," Jefferson said. "We definitely had a great plan throughout training camp of getting it stronger, getting the mobility back right and to make sure that with my cut moves, and the way I move, the way I explode — it's just so much on the body, and I had to get stronger, had to get more physical and upper-body stronger. I feel like the whole process went well, and I'm definitely ready for Week 1. I'm ready to rock and roll."
That is the best news Minnesota could have received. Jefferson being fully healthy to begin the season will give the team a good shot at starting fast.
Looking at the rest of the NFC and even the NFC North division, there are a lot of potential contenders. If the Vikings want to have a shot to replicate their success as one of the best teams in the conference like they were last season, they'll need Jefferson to have a big hand in making that happen.
Speaking of last season, Jefferson played in all 17 regular season games. He caught 103 passes for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. Once again, he was dominant all year long.
Hopefully, Jefferson is able to stay completely healthy this season. Minnesota will need him to put together another elite season to support its young quarterback.
For more on the Minnesota Vikings and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Related Articles
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.