Since coming into the league as a first-round pick in 2020, Justin Jefferson has solidified himself as one of the greatest wide receiver threats of this generation. He has also been one of the league’s most consistently available players, suiting up in every game of his career in all but one season.
With the Minnesota Vikings starting J.J. McCarthy (0 games played in his career) at the quarterback spot, the availability and production from Jefferson is going to be wildly important in determining how the season progresses for the organization. However, a lingering injury throughout the summer has cast doubt on his presence in Week 1, when the Vikings take on the Chicago Bears in a Monday Night Football extravaganza.
What Happened to Justin Jefferson?
After the year Minnesota had with Sam Darnold as their quarterback in 2024, expectations were high for their success with their own first-round pick from last season in McCarthy. However, the offseason presented a daunting situation for the roster.
Jefferson, typically a model of consistency, missed the entirety of the preseason and a significant portion of the training camp due to a hamstring issue. The only other time the four-time Pro Bowler missed time in his NFL career was back in 2023, when a hamstring injury put him on the injured reserve list.
Due to the tricky nature of hamstring injuries, the Vikings have exercised caution with their best player. However, what makes the timing of the injury worse for Minnesota is the absence of Jordan Addison, who will face a suspension for the first three games of the season.
As a result, the offensive attack could have used the explosiveness that Jefferson brings to the table.
Will Jefferson Play Against the Bears?
Despite the worries plaguing him over the summer, it seems like Jefferson is going to be on the field when McCarthy gets the first start of his NFL career. Speaking to DJ Siddiqui of the Escapist, the former Offensive Player of the Year had a wonderful update about his status.
“Hamstring is feeling great. 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.”
Since the #Vikings ended the preseason, Justin Jefferson has “really capitalized” on his time to get ready for the season after his left hamstring strain, Kevin O’Connell said.
“It wasn’t just in recovery mode and getting back to a certain baseline. He elevated that baseline by…
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) September 3, 2025
His comments align perfectly with those of head coach Kevin O’Connell about Minnesota’s revamped approach to its superstar wide receiver. Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune caught them.
Explaining the new process Jefferson had adopted, O’Connell said, “It wasn’t just in recovery mode and getting back to a certain baseline. He elevated that baseline by getting stronger, by really focusing in on some of the things that would allow him to have a fast transition back.”
He went on to mention that both parties feel confident about his status and health going into Week 1, something Jefferson, too, iterated in his conversation with Siddiqui. “I feel like the whole process went well, and I’m definitely ready for Week 1. I’m ready to rock and roll.”
With one of the best weapons in the entire NFL stepping on the field on Monday, the offense shouldn’t be a major cause of concern for the Vikings. The wide receiver group should give their QB ample support alongside the reunited Adam Thielen.
Instead, the game against Chicago could turn into an exhibition for McCarthy to give an idea of how good the team can be with him at the helm.
