Minnesota Vikings Place Justin Jefferson on Injured Reserve
By Alec Lewis, Jake Ciely, and Dianna Russini
The Minnesota Vikings have made the difficult decision to place wide receiver Justin Jefferson on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, according to league sources. The move comes after Jefferson pulled up on a route during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The team expects Jefferson to miss at least four games during his time on injured reserve.
The upcoming schedule for the Vikings includes matchups against the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and Atlanta Falcons. Jefferson’s absence will undoubtedly be felt as the team aims to turn their season around following a disappointing 1-4 start. Coach Kevin O’Connell stated that the team’s priority is to provide the best treatment and plan for Jefferson’s long-term well-being.
Adjusting Without Jefferson
With Jefferson out, the pass-catching responsibilities will fall on wide receiver K.J. Osborn, tight end T.J. Hockenson, and wide receiver Jordan Addison. Osborn’s familiarity with the offense should allow him to seamlessly step into the “X” receiver role typically held by Jefferson. Hockenson will continue to be a primary target, while Addison’s opportunities are expected to increase.
Another potential option for the Vikings is Brandon Powell, who has earned the trust of Coach O’Connell from their time together in Los Angeles. This group of four players will shoulder a significant responsibility if Jefferson is sidelined for an extended period of time.
Impact on the Vikings
Jefferson’s absence poses a significant challenge for the Vikings as they attempt to recover from their slow start to the season. The wide receiver, who is in his prime and eligible for an extension, is a key part of Minnesota’s offensive success. Rushing Jefferson back from a soft-tissue injury that relies heavily on explosiveness would be counterproductive for both the receiver and the organization.
Should the Vikings continue to struggle in the short term and Jefferson remains on the sidelines, questions regarding the team’s direction may arise. As the October 31 trade deadline approaches, players such as edge rusher Danielle Hunter and quarterback Kirk Cousins could become subjects of interest for potential trade deals.
Fantasy Outlook
With Jefferson out of the lineup, K.J. Osborn becomes a must-grab player off waivers. Jordan Addison, who already had more end zone targets than Osborn, will also see an increase in opportunities. Addison’s upside is further enhanced by his usage in wide positions and his ability to connect with the quarterback for long yardage plays.
In terms of fantasy rankings, Addison is projected as a WR2/3, while Osborn is expected to be in the WR3 conversation during Jefferson’s absence.
Jefferson’s Story
Justin Jefferson has been one of the NFL’s standout players since being drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. The wide receiver currently ranks third in targets and receiving yards among all players, with 571 receiving yards this season.
The Vikings picked up Jefferson’s fifth-year contract option in April but have yet to reach a long-term extension agreement. Jefferson’s consistent performances, including a league-leading 128 catches for 1,809 yards in 2022, make him a vital asset for the team.
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