Justin Jefferson hamstring update: Former LSU receiver reportedly on injured reserve

Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson left Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter after slipping on the turf and suffering an apparent hamstring injury.

The former LSU star and 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year had just three catches for 28 yards in the game prior to his injury, and the Vikings ended up losing 27-20. He did not return to the game.

Now it seems Jefferson, who in five games has 36 catches for 571 yards and three touchdowns, will miss even more time. According to a report from Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Minnesota will place him on Injured Reserve, mandating he miss at least four games.

Here's everything you need to know about Jefferson's injury and status for the next portion of the 2023 NFL season:

REQUIRED READING: Vikings expected to be without star WR Justin Jefferson for at least a month

Justin Jefferson hamstring update

Jefferson's injury occurred vs. the Chiefs on Sunday around the 10-yard line. Video of the incident shows him slip awkardly and immediately pull up limping before he grabs at his right hamstring.

Jefferson did not return for the remainder of the Vikings' 27-20 loss to Kansas City.

REQUIRED READING: Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson still being evaluated for hamstring injury

When can Justin Jefferson return from injury?

The 1-4 Vikings reportedly placed Jefferson on injured reserve on Tuesday with a hamstring injury, meaning he will miss at least the Vikings' next four games against the Bears, 49ers, Packers and Falcons. He will be eligible to return off IR on Nov. 12 against the Saints.

The Vikings' bye week isn't until Week 13.

Jefferson has never missed a game in his NFL career so far, playing in 55 games over his first four seasons. That said, it's possible Jefferson could miss more time depending on his timetable for recovery, which has yet to be determined.

"He is one of the most ultra-competitors I've ever met," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday. "He was trying to get back in the game as it was yesterday. We're going to have to medically make a good decision and help almost protect him from himself a little bit. We've got to take care of him and get him back to 200%."

Jefferson's 571 yards currently rank as the the third-most receiving yards in the NFL, behind Miami's Tyreek Hill and the Rams' Puka Nacua.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Justin Jefferson injury update: Vikings put former LSU receiver on IR