The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in somewhat of a transition season and it’s already off to rough start.
On Friday, head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed the star receiver Justin Jefferson suffered a mild hamstring strain that is set to keep him out of practice. The team will reevaluate Jefferson next week, but it’s unclear how long he will be sidelined as a result.
Veterans just reported to Vikings training camp on July 22.
Jefferson has been around the NFL block a few times, so his absence isn’t particularly concerning other than the nature of hamstring injuries – which have a tendency to be pesky.
The real concern, however, is for the chemistry that the team is looking to develop on offense.
J.J. McCarthy, the team’s first-round pick in 2024, missed his entire rookie season thanks to a torn meniscus in his right knee. While Sam Darnold filled in admirably for the 14-3 Vikings, Minnesota made the quarterback switch over the offseason to the former Michigan man.
It will be difficult for McCarthy to get on the same page with Jefferson without those valuable practice reps, but the star receiver is seemingly quarterback-proof.
That will be put to the test if Jefferson is sidelined for a significant length of time.
How long is Justin Jefferson out?
Jefferson will be out for at least a week.
The Vikings will reevaluate him after that and determine if he can be cleared for a return to practice at that time. Given the nature of the injury, the receiver will likely be eased back into action once he is ale to return.
Vikings WR depth chart
Here’s a look at the Vikings’ depth chart at receiver without Jefferson:
Jordan Addison
Jalen Nailor
Rondale Moore
Tai Felton
Tim Jones