Purple Headlines of the Week: Jefferson’s Absence, Patience with the Rookie QB, Hockenson Update
OTAs officially began for the Minnesota Vikings this week as veterans and rookies took the field together for the first time.
It was the beginning of another busy week for the Minnesota Vikings as they begin to evaluate which players on the 90-man roster could qualify for the final group of 53 players in September. Here is a look at all the purple headlines that you need to know from this past week.
Justin Jefferson Absent for Start of OTAs
When OTAs began, the most notable Vikings player was nowhere to be found. Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was not present for the opening days of OTAs this week as he continues to negotiate a long-term contract extension to remain in Minnesota.
As of now, Jefferson is slated to play on his fifth-year option of $19.743 million this season, and then, he will hit unrestricted free agency next spring unless a new contract is agreed upon, or he is placed on the franchise tag. If Jefferson were to be placed on the tag in 2025, he would be the first player that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has ever utilized it on.
Of course, though, the hope remains that Jefferson will indeed sign a long-term extension at some point this summer to ease any concerns heading into the fall.
Vikings Showing Patience with J.J. McCarthy
When OTAs began, it was the first opportunity for rookie QB J.J. McCarthy to take snaps with the veteran Minnesota Vikings. Of course, McCarthy was selected with the 10th overall by the Vikings, making him the highest drafted QB in franchise history.
However, Minnesota is operating with patience early on. McCarthy began OTAs practicing with the backups while Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens worked with the starters.
T.J. Hockenson Could Miss Six Weeks
One major storyline for the summer regards T.J. Hockenson’s recovery from his ACL tear last December. The latest reports this week suggest the tight end could miss upwards of six weeks.
“I would imagine Hockenson is on the [Physically Unable to Perform] list through six weeks,” Ben Goessling speculated on the latest episode of the “Access Vikings” podcast. “Week 6 bye is conveniently timed here.”
To begin the year, the Vikings have a very difficult schedule, facing five playoff teams from the 2023 season in their first seven games. The only games that do not feature teams from last year’s tournament come in Week 1 against the New York Giants and Week 5 against the New York Jets.
In Case You Missed It…
Per usual, we have an additional list of reading material for the especially studious Vikings fans. Happy reading!
- Sam Darnold’s Strange Comments
- Justin Jefferson Isn’t the Only Star to Miss Start of OTAs
- 2024 Vikings Draft Pick Has High Expectations
- Harrison Smith’s Offseason Project
Top Five Storylines for Vikings’ 2024 Schedule
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.