Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been placed on a injured reserve due to hamstring injury he sustained during the match against the Chiefs on Sunday (AP Photo by Jacob Kupferman)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson will be sidelined for at least the next four games due to a strained right hamstring he suffered during Sunday’s 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, making it a tough start to the season for the team.
Vikings Place Jefferson on Injured Reserve
The Vikings have decided to place Jefferson on injured reserve, as confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday, to ensure his recovery and prevent any setbacks. The earliest he might return to the field is in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints, pending evaluation.
This decision aligns with what Coach Kevin O’Connell discussed on Monday during a press conference, emphasizing the need to prioritize Jefferson’s health and recovery.
Impact on the Struggling Vikings
Losing Jefferson, the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, is a significant blow to the struggling Vikings, who currently stand at a 1-4 record and face three of their next four games on the road, including a matchup against the unbeaten San Francisco 49ers at home.
Jefferson has been a linchpin of the Vikings’ offense, leading the NFL in receiving yards (543), and they may need to adapt their strategies in his absence. Rookie Jordan Addison is expected to receive more passes, supported by veterans K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell. However, without Jefferson, opposing defenses may change their approach, potentially leading to different defensive schemes.
Justin Jefferson’s Impressive Career Streak
Justin Jefferson has had an excellent track record, not missing a single NFL game and starting 53 consecutive games since his rookie season in 2020. He’s been a mainstay on the field, playing 92% of the team’s offensive snaps during this time.
Contract Negotiations and Salary Details
The Vikings had been in negotiations during the offseason to extend Jefferson’s contract, but talks broke down last month. As of now, he will earn a $2.4 million base salary this season, with a fifth-year option of $19.7 million in 2024 if they don’t reach an extension.
Implications for Other Vikings Players
Jefferson’s injury may also have implications for the Vikings’ decisions regarding other players, including quarterback Kirk Cousins, K.J. Osborn, and linebacker Danielle Hunter, all of whom have contracts expiring after the season. The NFL trade deadline is on October 31, and Cousins has a full no-trade clause, which he would need to waive if the Vikings were to explore a trade.
This report used information from ESPN.
