After injuring his hamstring on Sunday afternoon against the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson was placed on injured reserve. The news was reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise for the Vikings. Hamstring injuries are very fickle and they need to completely heal before the player returns to the field.
On Monday, head coach Kevin O’Connell said that there wasn’t a timetable for his return. That tracks with this move, as he is out at least four games.
That could end up being longer, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted about Jefferson’s lack of contract extension.
Here’s the other unspoken issue that could potentially lengthen Justin Jefferson’s absence: if the Vikings don’t win games and stay competitive, what is Jefferson’s incentive to rush back when he did not land the contract he wanted? His absence could last longer than expected.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 10, 2023
This is likely coming directly from Jefferson’s agent. Right now, Jefferson has said and done all of the right things, but things can chance, especially with injury.
The earlier that Jefferson could return would be in week 10 when the Vikings take on the New Orleans Saints.
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