Last week against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Minnesota Vikings not only lost the game, but superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson had to exit the matchup in the fourth quarter after injuring his hamstring.
In the days since sustaining that injury, Jefferson was placed on injured reserve by the Vikings, which will sideline him for the team’s next four games, at the minimum.
On Saturday, however, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Minnesota could potentially be without their All-Pro receiver for up to six games this season.
Doctors believe Justin Jefferson’s hamstring injury will sideline the Minnesota Vikings’ star for four to six weeks, and the All-Pro receiver will undergo imaging tests in four weeks to help determine when he can return, per sources.https://t.co/du45ac924A
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 14, 2023
It’s unfortunate timing for the Vikings, as they are currently sitting with a 1-4 record, and any attempt at turning their season around will have to be done without their best player out on the field for the next few weeks.
In his absence, Minnesota will have to rely more on guys like rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson, and receiver K.J. Osborn.
With Jefferson in the lineup this season, the Vikings have accumulated the second-most passing yards in the NFL heading into Week 6.
Without Jefferson, it’s even possible that Minnesota utilizes their rushing attack more often, with Alexander Mattison and Cam Akers leading the way.
Jefferson is in the middle of his fourth season with the Vikings, and he’s coming off a 2022 campaign in which he was named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year.
In his five games this year, he was on pace to finish this season with more than 120 catches, 1,900 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns.
But thanks to his injury, Jefferson could now potentially finish the 2022 season with less than 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his pro career.
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