Justin Jefferson has been sidelined on injured reserve since Week 5 when he suffered a right hamstring injury. The Minnesota Vikings wide receiver has made it clear that he will not return until he is fully healthy despite pleas from fantasy football managers flooding his direct messages. He stated that his health is more important than anyone winning their fantasy games and that he doesn’t care about selling anyone’s team.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell has stressed that Jefferson’s health is the priority and that he will not return until he is 100% ready. While the Vikings might ramp up Jefferson’s recovery this week, they are considering keeping him sidelined for the upcoming Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bears to make the most of the bye week that follows. The team opened his 21-day practice window on November 8, but the bye week after the next game against the Las Vegas Raiders could give him a total of eight weeks off if he does not return until December 10.
O’Connell emphasized the importance of being smart about Jefferson’s return, considering the upcoming critical games and the need to secure the team’s positioning in the playoffs. He stated that Justin means a lot more than just these five or six games, and that his long-term career is the priority for the organization.