OCTOBER 4: Seifert’s colleague Jeremy Fowler reports (video link) there is optimism Jefferson will be able to return to the lineup next week. He did not practice leading up to today’s contest, but Fowler adds the opposite is expected for the coming days. Provided Jefferson does manage to practice ahead of Week 5, he will be able to offer a boost to Minnesota’s offense.
SEPTEMBER 28: It’s been a notable day for the Vikings. The team moved on from former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy in a deal with the Giants, and they learned that tight end Josh Oliver will likely miss the rest of the season after suffering a biceps tear.
Fortunately, the organization did receive some good news, as wide receiver Justin Jefferson avoided a serious injury during yesterday’s win. According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, an MRI revealed that Jefferson suffered an ankle sprain and could be in the lineup for Week 4.
“He avoided anything long term. It’s just going to be about progressing throughout the week and where we can get him to from a standpoint of getting the swelling out and then what kind of work week he can have,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said. “But I was very encouraged to get that news today.”
Jefferson was limited to only seven snaps yesterday before exiting the game with his leg injury. O’Connell revealed after the win that the star receiver was “pretty close” to getting back into the game, but the staff ultimately sat him out for the remainder of the contest. Despite only appearing in one series, Jefferson still finished the game with two catches for 32 yards.
With Jefferson out of the lineup, Jordan Addison led the receivers corps with five catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. The former first-round pick would be an offensive focal point if Jefferson were to miss time. The rest of the Vikings WRs room consists of Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton, and Myles Price.