Justin Jefferson did not see the field as the Minnesota Vikings started their preseason with a bang on Saturday. The superstar wide receiver is sidelined as a precautionary measure after picking up a minor injury in the training camp.
Only days into the final training camp before the preseason, Jefferson expressed some discomfort in his left leg. Further evaluation revealed a mild hamstring strain, which forced him to miss practice sessions and preseason fixtures.
The Vikings’ head coach, Kevin O’Connell, said he is glad to have avoided anything major. He is certain that Jefferson will suit up for the Week 1 clash against the Chicago Bears. The four-time Pro Bowler sent a message to his fans before the kickoff at EverBank Stadium.
“Don’t worry, Jets gonna be on that field real soon,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson was mic’d up in the third quarter, joining the broadcast panel from the sidelines. He opened up about his mindset while tackling an injury and his potential return to the gridiron.
“It’s coming along. Just every single day, just working on it. Working on the strength. Working on the mobility. … I’m feeling pretty good right now. Just inching my way every single day,” Jefferson said.
The 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year is helping his teammate and calling some plays in the practice sessions. NFL insider Darren Wolfson said Jefferson is expected to join his teammates in the last week of August.
The 26-year-old has set and broken multiple records in five years with the Vikings. Jefferson will aim to add more honors to the list in the upcoming season.
