Vikings will reportedly put Justin Jefferson on IR for minimal 4-game absence

NFL

Jefferson suffered a hamstring damage within the Vikings’ Week 5 loss to the Chiefs.

Minnesota Vikings vast receiver Justin Jefferson seems to be to catch a move in entrance of Kansas Metropolis Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, left, through the first half of an NFL soccer sport, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Minneapolis. The move was incomplete. (AP Photograph/Abbie Parr) AP

By DAVE CAMPBELL, Related Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings will place vast receiver Justin Jefferson on injured reserve, in response to an individual with information of the choice, forcing the 2022 NFL Offensive Participant of the 12 months to overlook not less than the following 4 video games due to a hamstring damage.

The particular person confirmed the choice to The Related Press on situation of anonymity Tuesday as a result of the Vikings had not finalized the transfer.

Jefferson slipped on the U.S. Financial institution Stadium turf whereas making an attempt to make a minimize on his route throughout a third-down move deep in Kansas Metropolis territory and limped slowly to the sideline after grabbing the again of his proper leg within the fourth quarter of the 27-20 loss to the Chiefs.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, talking to reporters on Monday, made it clear the workforce could be further cautious with their most necessary and very aggressive participant.

“We’re going to should, medically, make a superb determination and assist virtually shield him from himself slightly bit in a approach, the place we’ve got to maintain him and get him again to 100%,” O’Connell stated.

With out Jefferson, Kirk Cousins and the Vikings must lean exhausting on rookie Jordan Addison, their first-round draft choose who’s off to a promising begin. Fellow vast receivers Okay.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell can have their roles elevated, and tight finish T.J. Hockenson shall be much more very important on third downs.

Addison has 19 catches for 249 yards and three touchdowns in his first 5 video games.

“I’m very assured in that group,” O’Connell stated.

The Vikings may hardly have had a worse setback after shedding 4 of their first 5 video games, all by eight factors or fewer. Their total offense is constructed round Jefferson, who has set all types of all-time data simply 5 video games into his fourth NFL season. He has 36 catches for 571 yards and three touchdowns and by no means has missed a sport in his profession till now.

Minnesota (1-4) performs at Chicago (1-4) on Sunday.