The more the 2023 NFL season is moving forward, the more Minnesota Vikings are slipping toward the bottom of the divisional chart. After going down to the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, they stretched the misfortune to 1-4, and are now on the verge of missing the playoffs this season as well.
Though the Vikings lost to the Chiefs, their performance in the whole match was not totally unsatisfactory, and it was the fourth consecutive game they lost by eight points or fewer. While the franchise still possesses a hope to bounce back this season, the status about their star wide receiver Justin Jefferson might be a reason for concern for the Minnesota team and fans alike.
Kevin O’Connell says the Vikings aren’t rushing Justin Jefferson back
The report of the hamstring injury of Jefferson is yet to come. As the uncertainty regarding his chance of resuming play was swirling around, the Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell provided a clear-cut statement saying they would not rush in forcing their “one of the most ultra-competitors” on the field till he recovered fully.
“He’s down today. He’s obviously one of the most ultra-competitors I’ve ever met. He was trying to go back into the game as it was yesterday. We’re going to have to medically make a good decision and help almost protect him from himself a little bit in a way where we’ve got to take care of him and get him back to 100%.”
The Vikings WR has barely missed any NFL matches after taking over the starting spot, and now, the injury in week 5 put him in questionable game status. The Vikings are going to face off against the Chicago Bears, and while talking about whether the receiver would play in week 6, the HC said they would be taking the decision that best suits the footballer.
“We’re going to do what’s best for Justin and make sure we give him the treatment and plan that is a big-picture positive for him.”
Earlier O’Connell personally visited the Vikings star’s locker on his way to the podium following the game and tried to console him as he did not speak with reporters. Meanwhile, Marty Jaramillo, CBS Sports reported Jefferson might need a time period of between two to eight weeks to recover.
When did Justin Jefferson get hurt?
In the Vikings’ week 5 match against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, Justin slipped on the U.S. Bank Stadium turf when he was attempting to make a cut during a third-down pass deep in the Chiefs’ territory, with 12:49 remaining of the match. He was later seen limping to the sideline, and Minnesota instantly announced him as questionable to resume play with the hamstring injury.
The veteran couldn’t return to the field and watched the rest of the game from the sideline with a towel draped over his head, and rookie star Jordan Addison took over his spot to serve as the quarterback Kirk Cousins’ top pass target. Before getting sidelined, Jefferson recorded three catches for 28 yards. If he misses the upcoming campaign against the Bears, Addison will have to lead the corp along with the fourth-year receiver K.J. Osborn, and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
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