Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson will not return to Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders after leaving in the first half with a chest injury. The Vikings ruled Jefferson out as the second half got underway in Vegas. So the 24-year-old’s first game back on the field after a two-month absence was cut short. The three-time Pro Bowler caught two early passes against the Raiders—the second of which resulted in a big hit over the middle that forced the wide receiver to exit the game. Here’s what we know about Jefferson’s injury.
Minnesota’s fourth-year wide receiver stayed down on the ground in pain after the hit, grabbing at his midsection. After getting to his feet, Jefferson immediately left the field. His first trip was to the medical tent on the sideline, then the locker room. Jefferson is being transported to an area hospital as a precautionary measure, the team said. He finished the game with two catches, on three targets, for 27 yards while playing 13 snaps, per ESPN. The Vikings (6-6) and Raiders (5-7) went to halftime tied at zero. Minnesota has lost two games in a row and will fall under .500—and face a difficult road ahead to the playoffs— if its losing streak is extended to three games.
