Justin Jefferson, the Minnesota Vikings’ standout wide receiver, is expected to return from a hamstring injury this Sunday against the Denver Broncos. For the second day in a row, Jefferson was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. Last week, Minnesota established a 21-day window for Jefferson to return from injured reserve. Jefferson, who has not played since Oct. 8, stated at the time that he would not return to the field until he felt 100 percent, and he reiterated that position Thursday.
“Well, I’m the main person who’s gonna make the decision,” Jefferson told reporters. “At the end of the day, I’m the person that’s going out there running, putting my body on the line to win games.”
Jefferson, 24, suffered a hamstring injury against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5. This season, he has 36 catches for 571 yards and three touchdowns. He stated that he is working on increasing his endurance day by day, aiming for little hamstring tightness as he increases what he does at practice. Jefferson previously stated that hamstring problems can be chronic, “and it comes back from time to time if you don’t put the right treatment into it.”
The Vikings (6-4) have won five straight games and are 2-0 since Josh Dobbs took over at quarterback after Kirk Cousins and rookie Jarrett Hall were injured. In the NFC North, they are only 1 1/2 games behind the Detroit Lions.
Coach Kevin O’Connell said Wednesday that his top wideout is in “that day-to-day, ramping-him-up phase,” and the club will decide whether he can play against the Broncos. “I understand how you feel. “I know how my hamstring feels,” Jefferson explained. “Of course, we’ll consider all of the different points of view and what everyone has to say.” But, at the end of the day, I’m the one that goes out there and risks my life.”
Dobbs is listed as injured on the team’s injury report due to an ankle injury, but he practiced fully on Wednesday and Thursday. Akayleb Evans (calf) missed practice for the second day in a row. Tight end T.J. Hockenson (ribs) and running back Alexander Mattison (concussion) also missed practice.
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