Justin Jefferson made his return to the Vikings in Week 14 after missing six games with a hamstring injury. It didn’t last long.
Jefferson exited the game after taking a hard hit from Raiders safety Marcus Epps in the first half. While Jefferson was able to hang onto the ball through the heavy contact, he reached for his back after going to the ground.
The veteran receiver then exited the field and headed to the sideline. Shortly thereafter, he went to the locker room.
#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson makes a special play then takes a big shot.
Jefferson left the game and went back to the locker room.
pic.twitter.com/7oNr8xKitB
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 10, 2023
Justin Jefferson is headed to the locker room pic.twitter.com/uNAvl77S5m
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 10, 2023
Here’s what to know about the injury that Jefferson suffered against the Raiders.
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Justin Jefferson injury update
The Vikings announced that Jefferson was questionable to return to the game with a chest injury. He didn’t return to the field on the drive after which he left the game, so his status moving forward will be worth monitoring.
Jefferson recorded two catches for 27 yards in limited action before departing. The Vikings will be forced to look rely on their receiver depth as long as he remains out of the game.
Jordan Addison will become the team’s de facto No. 1 receiver with Jefferson off the field while K.J. Osborn will slide into the No. 2 role. Brandon Powell will likely occupy the slot and will serve as the team’s No. 3 receiver.
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Tight end T.J. Hockenson and running backs Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler will be relied upon more over the middle of the field with Jefferson sidelined as well.
So, Joshua Dobbs will no shortage of weapons to target; he just won’t have his best available.
