The Minnesota Vikings were looking forward to bouncing back in week 5, but the effort went in vain, and they slipped to 1-4 mark after embracing defeat against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. After the week 5 loss, they are counting days in fear due to the potential chance of missing the playoffs this season.
However, the Vikings’ only blow in the match wasn’t just defeat, but their top offensive weapon Justin Jefferson went down with an injury as well. Now, before facing off against the Chi Bears next Sunday, their major concern will be swirling around the comeback of the veteran.
Justin Jefferson’s injury update
Jefferson slipped on the turf while attempting to make a cut during a third-down pass deep in the Chiefs’ territory. He was seen limping to the sideline while holding the back of his injured right leg. The Vikings immediately announced him as questionable to resume play with the hamstring injury.
During the post-match conference, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell provided an update on the wide receiver saying he is “still very early” in the process and added that they had been assessing the extent of his injury.
“It was tough on him. He’s the ultimate competitor. We’ll get him back as soon as we possibly can,” he said.
Minnesota’s quarterback Kirk Cousins also shed light on the veteran’s injury saying Justin has done a phenomenal job in the receiver hole. While talking about the team’s condition if the WR fails to resume play in the upcoming games, the QB said they have players to fill the void.
“Justin’s done a phenomenal job for the last 3 1/2 years of staying healthy and being out there every week, which is hard to do. So, even with this injury, it makes you pause and be grateful for how healthy he’s been. … I think we’ve got the players to try to try to fill that gap.”
Jefferson couldn’t return to the field and watched the rest of the game from the sideline with a towel draped over his head before recording three catches for 28 yards.
Chiefs beat Vikings
After clinching a 27-20 victory over the Vikings on Sunday afternoon, the Chiefs reached atop the AFC West with a 4-1 mark. Minnesota was the only team Mahomes couldn’t beat after starting his NFL journey. The achievement got unlocked yesterday as he went 31 for 41 for 281 yards with no turnovers.
The Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce also showcased tremendous performance with 10 catches for 67 yards on 11 targets. The veteran missed the better part of two drives, albeit he bounced back stronger to ensure the consecutive wins for Kansas City.
Vikings QB Cousins completed 29 of 47 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns, while Jordan Addison recorded six catches for 64 yards and a score. However, Jefferson’s injury and the impact of earlier timeouts mismanagement in the game weighed heavily on them. This marked the fourth consecutive game that the team lost by eight points or fewer.
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