Hard Knocks this offseason has produced some intriguing Giants-related details. In a same vein, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s recuperation from a 2023 hamstring injury has been shown through Netflix’s Receiver series.
After sustaining the injury in Week 5, Jefferson missed a significant amount of play for the first time in his record-breaking career. Since the extension negotiations from the previous offseason had fallen short, doubts were expressed regarding his willingness to return to the field. Despite having the option to sit out the rest of the season, the 25-year-old chose to suit up in Week 14 and participate in every game that followed.
Of course, the organization and player would have been better off taking a cautious approach given Jefferson’s contract position and Kirk Cousins’ Achilles injury. Minnesota finished outside of the postseason picture despite relying on several quarterback replacements. Jefferson’s campaign concluded strongly when he made sure to get back on the field instead of focusing on new deal negotiations.
“I’m not that kind of person, so no one, no one, no one in this game can ever tell me to not play or to tank the season or to do any of that other stuff,” the former LSU player stated (via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert). “I would like to participate in a game. I adore watching football games. My goal is to excel. I have to be out there on that field for that to occur. He cannot be sidelined for an extended period of time or told that he must sit out due to a contract. None of that is the case. Not at all.
The Vikings declined trade offers after the draft and signed a historic deal with Jefferson. The 35MM AAV connected to the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year is the largest amount ever awarded to a non-quarterback. Naturally, he and Minnesota will be hoping that in the upcoming years, a recurrence of the hamstring injury from the previous season—which the series says was a high grade strain—won’t be in store. The damaged lung he sustained in his first game back is still there.
Since Cousins left in free agency, the Vikings’ starting quarterback duo in 2024 will be Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy, a first-round pick. As wideouts’ go-to guy for money, Jefferson will be expected to continue to be the center of attention for the offense’s passing scheme. With his deal in effect, Minnesota’s best offensive weapon should be accessible as much as possible if he continues to prioritize his health in the same manner as previously.
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