The Minnesota Vikings pulled off an upset over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, 23-17. However, perhaps the biggest storyline after the game was the injury to Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
After dominating in the first half to the tune of four catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, Jefferson left the game in the third quarter after getting injured. What’s the latest on Jefferson, and how long will he be sidelined?
What Happened to Justin Jefferson?
Jefferson had the play of the game, scoring a 97-yard touchdown in the first half.
However, in the final minute of the third quarter, Jefferson suffered a lower-leg injury after getting rolled on while blocking for running back Ty Chandler. Niners edge rusher Nick Bosa suffered an injury on the same play. Jefferson did not return to the game.
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson was helped off the field with a leg injury.
Nick Bosa was also injured on the same play. Wow …
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 15, 2024
While he needed some help getting off the field, he was able to limp to the locker room under his own power, and he fortunately wasn’t carted off.
Fortunately, it sounds as if Jefferson avoided a serious injury. After the game, he told ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry that he expects to play in the Vikings’ Week 3 contest against the Houston Texans.
“I’m not seriously injured, so that’s the main important thing,” Jefferson said. “So it’s just all about getting to the training room, making sure my body is right for next week and I’ll be ready to go next Sunday.”
Justin Jefferson provides an update on his quad injury. Multiple times in lengthy interview said he anticipates being good to go next week. pic.twitter.com/z0PDKqFqG1
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 15, 2024
Jefferson said he’s “not overly concerned” and described his injury as “just a little thigh bruise, contusion, whatever you want to call it.”
This lines up with what Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said after the Vikings’ victory, telling reporters that Jefferson has a quad contusion and that the superstar WR will be day-to-day rather than week-to-week.
Last season, Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury that forced him to miss seven games, but it sounds like he avoided a serious injury this time around.
Over the offseason, Jefferson signed the biggest NFL contract for a non-quarterback — a four-year, $140 million extension with $110 million guaranteed. Jefferson’s $35 million annual salary topped Bosa’s $34 million as the highest for a non-QB in the NFL. Furthermore, the deal includes $88.743 million due at signing, the highest non-QB guarantee at signing in NFL history.
This is huge news for the Vikings, as their passing attack has already faced a lot of adversity. Jordan Addison missed this game with an ankle injury, standout tight end T.J. Hockenson is on IR, and rookie QB J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury during the preseason. After Jefferson, Minnesota’s next-best wide receivers are Jalen Nailor, Trishton Jackson, and Brandon Powell.
Jefferson, the best receiver in football, averaged 98 catches, 1,474 yards, and 7.5 touchdowns over his first four seasons in Minnesota. He’s a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time first-team All-Pro.