There’s a Justin Jefferson Injury Update
The Minnesota Vikings are 2-0 for the first time since 2016, when Shaun Hill and Sam Bradford guided the team to a hot start. This time, former third-overall pick Sam Darnold, who is attempting to get rid of the bust label, has been the man under center. Through two games, he has done a remarkable job.
There’s a Justin Jefferson Injury Update
Having good offensive weapons and play-calling on his side for the first time in his career might be the reason for the year-seven resurgence.
A big part, of course, has been Justin Jefferson, Minnesota’s superstar wide receiver who signed a record-breaking contract extension in the 2024 offseason. The star player shocked the 49ers when he beat the coverage for a 97-yard touchdown. Darnold put his arm strength on display, finding the ex-LSU standout at midfield out of his own endzone.
In the second half, however, Jefferson left the game with an injury and didn’t return, having to watch his team close out the reigning NFC champions from the locker room. After blocking on a generic run play, Jefferson stayed on the ground, holding his leg. He then hobbled off the field with the help of his trainers and walked to the locker room.
After the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell arrived at the podium with good news.
It was a quad contusion. I think Fred Warner might have went flying in to make a play like he does a lot, and Justin was, I think, working in the run game on the backside and just kind of got, not intentional, but got a little leg-to-leg contact on that. It’s pretty sore but he’s already up and moving, and we’ll just treat that thing, and hopefully he’ll be day-to-day, and we’ll see how his status looks for next week.
The offensive play-caller also updated folks on Dallas Turner’s status. First-round rookie Turner left with a knee injury. O’Connell said he doesn’t think it is a long-term issue but wants to be careful until the 17th overall pick is fully evaluated.
Jefferson finished the game with four catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. The 25-year-old eclipsed the 400-catch mark and the 6,000-yard mark for his career. He is already looking forward to next week’s game against the Houston Texans, saying after the win:
I’m not seriously injured. So that’s the main important thing. So it’s just all about getting to the training room, making sure my body is right for next week and I’ll be ready to go next Sunday.
The Vikings’ offense was quite decimated late in the game, as running back Aaron Jones also sat out some plays. His backup, third-year player Ty Chandler, was statistically the more effective runner on Sunday.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson is still recovering from his torn ACL, and Jefferson’s wingman Jordan Addison hurt his ankle in Week 1 and missed his first career game against the 49ers. Having two high-level reinforcements waiting for their comebacks makes the 2-0 record even sweeter. The depth receivers played a great game.
The Texans, Minnesota’s next opponent, will travel to the Twin Cities with an explosive offense led by sophomore passer C.J. Stroud, who can throw to Tank Dell, Nico Collins, and old friend Stefon Diggs, so having Jefferson and Addison available to match that dynamic attack is important.
Jefferson’s status will be updated numerous times within the next few days.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt