Justin Jefferson is not only the Minnesota Vikings‘ best offensive player — he might be the best non-quarterback in the NFL. The Vikings can’t afford to lose Jefferson for any stretch of time, but he appeared to suffer an injury against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Here’s the latest on the All-Pro pass catcher.
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!
Justin Jefferson Injury Update
Jefferson limped to the Vikings’ sideline after a fourth-quarter play, signaling for backup wideout Brandon Powell to replace him.
#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury on this play.
He is questionable to return.
pic.twitter.com/aH6uHflJHR— Pro Football Network (@PFN365)
He was initially evaluated in the blue medical tent on the Vikings’ sideline. Minnesota has since announced that Jefferson is questionable to return with a hamstring injury.
However, Jefferson was spotted on the sideline with a towel around his neck. He did not join the rest of the Vikings’ offense on their ensuing drive.
After the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell said it’s “still very early” to project a timeline for Jefferson’s return. Jefferson will undergo more testing on Monday, according to Pro Football Talk.
On Monday, O’Connell said the Vikings are still awaiting test results on Jefferson’s injury but noted the club will have to protect Jefferson “from himself.”
Jefferson is reportedly a “long shot” to play against the Chicago Bears in Week 6, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who confirmed is still awaiting test results on its best player.
From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: As the #Vikings wait for the tests to come back for WR Justin Jefferson’s hamstring, caution for this coming week makes sense. pic.twitter.com/l8gsh6HBh7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
Jefferson was relatively quiet before departing Week 5, posting just three receptions for 28 scoreless yards.
MORE: NFL Offense Rankings 2023
But Jefferson remains arguably the most dangerous receiver in the NFL. He topped 140 receiving yards in each of the first three games of the season and led the league in receiving yardage entering Week 5.
Fantasy Fallout From Jefferson’s Injury
An injury to Jefferson would instantly give Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, and T.J. Hockenson more work in the passing game. But they could see a drop in efficiency, with Jefferson not drawing a ton of attention away from the Vikings’ other pass catchers.
Kirk Cousins would see his fantasy stock drop the most if Jefferson were to miss significant time, as he’d no longer have one of the best WRs in the league at his disposal.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate
