Vikings expected to be without star WR Justin Jefferson for at least a month, per reports
The Minnesota Vikings will likely be without star wide receiver Justin Jefferson for a month or more due to a hamstring injury he suffered in Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to multiple media reports, the Vikings plan to put Jefferson on injured reserve, which would mean he would miss at least the next four games.
Jefferson slipped while making a cut during a fourth-quarter drive in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Chiefs. On Monday, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said the team would "do what's best for Justin and make sure we give him the treatment and plan that is a big-picture positive for him."
Jefferson's absence will leave a huge hole in the Minnesota offense. He led the NFL with 128 receptions and 1809 receiving yards last year, and was among the league leaders once again this season.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson ranks second on the team with 30 receptions and 254 yards. Rookie wideout Jordan Addison, who has 19 catches for 249 yards and three touchdowns, will likely see more targets with fourth-year pro K.J. Osborn also playing a larger role in Jefferson's absence.
The 1-4 Vikings have Chicago, San Francisco, Green Bay and Atlanta up next on the schedule.
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Vikings awaiting MRI on Justin Jefferson
Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell said the team was waiting on MRI results Monday and seeking "different opinions" on Jefferson’s recovery "to get him back to 100 percent as fast as possible."
"He's down today. He's obviously one of the most ultra-competitors I've ever met," O'Connell said of Jefferson, who wanted to re-enter the game against the Chiefs.
“We're going to have to medically make a good decision and help almost protect him from himself a little bit in a way where we've got to take care of him and get him back to 100%.”
How did Justin Jefferson sustain hamstring injury?
Jefferson sustained the hamstring injury during the fourth quarter, slipping while trying to make a cut and grabbing the back of his right leg as he limped to the Vikings sideline.
Jefferson finished with just three catches on six targets for 28 yards against Kansas City.
“It probably wasn’t going to be possible, but he was trying to figure out a way,” O’Connell said Monday of Jefferson’s hope to return in the Chiefs game.
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Will Justin Jefferson play against the Chicago Bears?
When the Vikings put Jefferson on injured reserve he would be forced to miss at least the next four games.
Jefferson was the AP Offensive Player of the Year last season, leading the NFL with 128 catches and 1,809 yards, and helping the Vikings reach the playoffs last season.
But this season has been rough for the Vikings, who are 1-4 like the Bears – below the Detroit Lions (4-1) and Green Bay Packers (2-2 before facing the Las Vegas Raiders Monday night) – in the AFC North standings.
Without Jefferson, the Vikings and quarterback Kirk Cousins will rely on rookie receiver Jordan Addison, fourth-year receiver K.J. Osborn and tight end T.J. Hockenson in the passing game.
“The goal is to get him as healthy as possible,” O’Connell said of Jefferson.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Justin Jefferson injury: Vikings star WR to go on injured reserve
