What has already been a frustrating season for Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings just got worse with a new report on what the superstar receiver’s availability will be over the next month after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5.
Entering the 2023 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings were hopeful they would have a real chance of defending their NFC North championship and getting back to the postseason. However, their early season schedule has proven difficult and if not for a Week 4 victory over the Carolina Panthers the team would be winless after five games.
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Despite their disappointing play, three-time Pro Bowler Justin Jefferson has been one of the few bright spots as he has performed at a level where he is likely headed to a fourth straight trip to the NFL’s version of the All-Star game early next year. However, that may no longer be the foregone conclusion it seemed a couple of weeks ago because the 24-year-old is expected to be sidelined for a significant amount of time.
- Justin Jefferson stats (2023): 36 catches, 571 yards, 3 touchdowns, 15.9 yards per catch
Minnesota Vikings expected to place Justin Jefferson on injured reserve
On Tuesday morning, NFL Media league insider Tom Pelisserro reported that “The Vikings plan to place WR Justin Jefferson on injured reserve because of the hamstring injury he suffered in Sunday’s loss to Kansas City, per sources.
“The exact timeline is TBD based on how he responds to treatment. But Jefferson is out at least four games,” he added.
Late in the Vikings’ 27-20 loss to the Chiefs, Jefferson slipped on the U.S. Bank Stadium turf while running a route against cornerback Trent McDuffie and seemed to tweak his hamstring. He limped to the sideline and was listed as questionable and remained on the sideline for the remainder of the game.
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However, after the game the injury looked to be more serious than feared and various reports claimed it could lead to an extended stay on the injured list. Pelissero’s report confirms those early fears were not unfounded.
The All-Pro will now miss at least the Minnesota Vikings games against the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and Atlanta Falcons.