Posted on: October 10, 2023, 10:20h.
Last updated on: October 10, 2023, 10:20h.
Minnesota Vikings All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson is out for a minimum of four weeks due to a right hamstring injury.
Jefferson hurt his hamstring in the fourth quarter of the Week 5 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, accumulating three catches for 36 yards prior to his injury.
The Chiefs prevailed against the Vikings with a 27-20 victory, leading to the Vikings’ season record dropping to 1-4.
The Vikings face three of their next four games on the road. They will host the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 7, but will be away to play the Chicago Bears in Week 6, the Green Bay Packers in Week 8, and the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9.
Jefferson will be eligible to return in Week 10 when the Vikings host the New Orleans Saints.
Addison, Osborn, Hockenson to Take Over in Jefferson’s Absence
Star wide receiver Jefferson has recorded 36 receptions for 571 yards and three touchdowns this season. Last year, he set a career-high with 128 receptions for 1,809 yards.
Justin’s done a phenomenal job for the last three-plus years of staying healthy and being out there every week, which is hard to do,” said quarterback Kirk Cousins. “Even with this injury, it makes you pause and be grateful for how healthy he’s been. We’ve got the players to try to fill that gap.”
In his first three seasons in the NFL, Jefferson did not miss a single game. He has accumulated 35 touchdowns in 50 games and recorded a minimum of 1,400 receiving yards each season.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson, acquired in a trade from the Lions last season, has made an immediate impact for the Vikings. Hockenson ranks second on the team in receptions (30), targets (39), and yards (254) this season, with two touchdowns to his name.
Rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison and veteran K.J. Osborn will have increased responsibilities in the coming weeks. Addison has contributed 19 catches for 249 yards and three touchdowns in his first season with the Vikings. Osborn has added 13 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns through five games.
Backup wide receiver Brandon Powell is also expected to see more playing time. Powell has played for four different teams in the last four seasons, including the Vikings in 2023. He made an appearance late in the fourth quarter against the Chiefs, recording four catches for 43 yards on six targets from Cousins.
Will Kirk Cousins Remain with the Vikings When Jefferson Returns?
Cousins targeted Jefferson nearly 12 times per game in the first four games this season. The two have formed a strong connection over the past few seasons, but this could potentially be their last season as teammates.
Cousins is entering the final year of his contract, and the Vikings have hinted at allowing him to leave in free agency and exploring other quarterback options for next season.
The Vikings are projected to miss the playoffs and may have an opportunity to draft a talented quarterback from the quarterback-rich 2024 NFL Draft.
Jefferson was already aware of the possibility of not having Cousins as his teammate next season, but there is a chance that Cousins won’t even be with the Vikings by the time Jefferson returns from injury.
The latest trade rumor suggests that the New York Jets are interested in acquiring Cousins before the NFL trade deadline on Halloween. The Jets’ starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the first game of the season.
Backup Zach Wilson has performed well in the past two weeks, but the Jets, with a 2-3 record, face an uphill battle to reach the playoffs. Many vocal fans have expressed a preference for Cousins over Wilson for the remainder of the season.
Fading the 1-4 Vikings
After winning 13 games and a division title last season, the Vikings find themselves tied for last place in the NFC North with the Chicago Bears (1-4). The Detroit Lions (4-1) lead the division with a two-game advantage
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