Jefferson is getting closer to a return from his hamstring injury, but it doesn’t seem like it’ll be this week.
Justin Jefferson is eligible to return from injured reserve this week, but it sounds like he’s unlikely to play against the Saints on Sunday. The original estimated recovery time for his hamstring injury was 4-6 weeks, so Week 11 against the Broncos or maybe even Week 12 against the Bears feel like more realistic return dates for the Vikings’ superstar.
“We’ll see when Justin Jefferson can get back,” Adam Schefter said on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown. “Initially, when he hurt the hamstring, it was projected to be a 4-6 week injury. This is four weeks. He’s going to be meeting with doctors, Kevin O’Connell said today they’ll get an update later in the week. It’s still an ongoing process.
“It doesn’t sound like he’s coming back this week, but it doesn’t sound like he’s far away either.”
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is also reporting that Jefferson is unlikely to return this week, so he should probably be viewed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Saints.
The Vikings, who have managed to win all four games they’ve played without Jefferson, are going to exercise caution with their best player and make sure he’s close to 100 percent healthy when they do decide to activate him.
Things are getting a little thin at wide receiver for Minnesota right now with K.J. Osborn in concussion protocol. If Osborn isn’t cleared, the Vikings’ WRs against New Orleans would likely be Jordan Addison, Brandon Powell, Trishton Jackson, and N’Keal Harry. Jalen Nailor would also be an option.
Here’s a look at the 5-4 Vikings’ remaining schedule:
- Week 10: vs. Saints (5-4)
- Week 11: at Broncos (3-5)
- Week 12: vs. Bears (2-7)
- Week 13: BYE
- Week 14: at Raiders (4-5)
- Week 15: at Bengals (5-3)
- Week 16: vs. Lions (6-2)
- Week 17: vs. Packers (3-5)
- Week 18: at Lions (6-2)
