Andrew Buller-Russ
How many weeks will Justin Jefferson’s hamstring injury cost him? The Minnesota Vikings’ superstar receiver had to exit the team’s Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and he was placed on injured reserve just days later. Being on IR automatically rules the All-Pro receiver out for four games, but there’s a chance he could miss even more time.
According to Saturday’s report from Adam Schefter, doctors now believe Jefferson could miss anywhere from four-to-six weeks with the hamstring injury. After four weeks, Jefferson will have new imaging tests done to check his progress.
Jefferson was never expected to miss the rest of the season, yet a continued downward spiral by the 1-4 Vikings could alter plans. If Jefferson does miss six weeks, and the Vikings are something like 3-8, there would be little reason to return for seven more games in a losing season. In fact, his absence may better prepare the team for next season by leading to a more favorable draft pick.
More so, the Vikings just wouldn’t want to risk an injury to the face of the franchise, especially considering they’ll likely be renegotiating a new contract extension once the offseason begins. Arguably the league’s greatest receiver today, Jefferson will likely set a new record, becoming the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. For now, Jefferson is set to be a free agent after the 2024 season, but all indications on both sides suggest the partnership won’t end any time soon.
Jefferson’s absence, however long it may be, opens up more opportunities for other receivers, such as rookie first-round selection Jordan Addison, who has 249 yards and three touchdowns through five games.
Related: Kirk Cousins intends to stay with Minnesota Vikings, will not waive no-trade clause
