The Minnesota Vikings activated All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson from injured reserve on Tuesday.
Jefferson is on the 53-man roster one day after the Vikings dropped their second consecutive decision with a 12-10 setback to the Chicago Bears. Minnesota needed to activate Jefferson by Wednesday to avoid having him land on season-ending injured reserve under NFL rules permitting players to return from IR.
The Vikings (6-6) are headed into their bye week with questions at quarterback. They return to action at the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 10.
Jefferson returned to practice Nov. 8 but primarily participated in position drills and running routes at less than full speed.
Jefferson, 24, was injured in the Vikings’ Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He has 36 catches for 571 yards and three touchdowns this season.
When Jefferson was hurt, Kirk Cousins was still the starter for the Vikings. But Cousins was lost to a season-ending injury in November and the Vikings won the next two games primarily behind trade deadline acquisition Joshua Dobbs.
Dobbs threw four interceptions in Monday’s loss, opening the door to the Vikings weighing making another change during the bye week.
Of Jefferson’s 360 career receptions, 354 were on passes thrown by Cousins.
Named NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season, Jefferson was a first-team All-Pro with a league-best 128 catches and 1,809 yards.
–Field Level Media