Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson didn’t enjoy a glorious return to the field this past week after his seven-game absence.
He exited with a chest injury early in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders and didn’t return.
It was unclear if he would be ready to suit up for Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals, too.
But the star wide receiver squashed all concerns when he revealed he would play this weekend per NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Vikings’ WR Justin Jefferson told reporters that he will play Saturday in Cincinnati.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 13, 2023
Jefferson has had a season to forget in 2023 because of the long-term hamstring injury he suffered in Week 5.
He missed seven games while he recovered from the injury but only played 13 snaps in Week 14 before he sustained the chest injury.
Jefferson had caught 36 receptions for 571 yards and three touchdowns prior to leaving Week 5, though.
The Vikings still won without Jefferson, as rookie wideout Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson stepped up as pass-catchers.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins played well, too, before he tore his Achilles in Week 8 and Joshua Dobbs was serviceable until he was benched for Nick Mullens.
Mullens is an experienced passer, but it’s unclear how he and Jefferson will gel.
The two didn’t play together in Week 14 – Jefferson left before Mullens entered the game.
Mullens completed 9-of-13 passes for 83 yards in the victory.
Jefferson is one of the most talented pass-catchers in the league, so who his quarterback is might not matter.
His health, though, does – especially as the Vikings hold the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff race.
Minnesota needs a fully-operational passing attack if it wants to make a postseason run, and Jefferson would be their star offensive weapon.
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