Justin Jefferson Injured
The Vikings have placed star wide receiver Justin Jefferson on injured reserve Tuesday morning.
Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury early in the fourth quarter against the Chiefs on Sunday and will now miss at least four games because of it. He has only missed three starts in his career, all in 2020, so he is rarely ever not playing.
The #Vikings plan to place WR Justin Jefferson on injured reserve because of the hamstring injury he suffered in Sunday’s loss to Kansas City, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 10, 2023
The exact timeline is TBD based on how he responds to treatment. But Jefferson is out at least four games. pic.twitter.com/hBAYZHZqlV
Jefferson's Career
Jefferson this season ranks third in the league in receiving yards with 571 and sixth in receptions with 36.
Since entering the league, Jefferson has consistently dominated defenses and has only been getting better since the start. In his rookie season, he went for 1,400 yards and 7 touchdowns on 88 receptions. In 2020, Jefferson hauled in 108 catches for 1,616 yards and 10 touchdowns. Last season, he had a career year with 1,809 yards and 8 touchdowns on 128 catches.
Vikings' Options
The Vikings have some tough games coming up in their next four weeks and they will be looking to turn their season around. Without their All-Pro receiver, it will be very hard for them to do but not impossible.
The 2022 Offensive Player of the Year will look for his teammates to step up while he is gone. The team will have to rely on rookie Jordan Addison and veteran KJ Osborn to produce while Jefferson is hurt. TJ Hockenson will also play a big role in helping the offense keep up their production. Kirk Cousins, if he does not waive his no-trade clause, will have to keep up his already productive season without his favorite target.
If the Vikings can get some more production out of their ground game, it will help them dramatically. The Vikings rushing offense is one of the least productive in the league, so they must find a way to improve it to avoid having to throw the ball as much until Jefferson returns.
Conclusion
Overall, it is not looking good for Minnesota. Being 1-4 and losing their best player is not how they drew up at the start of their season, but there is plenty of time to make adjustments and make a potential run at the playoffs.
