Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates the win against the Indianapolis Colts after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. With the win, the Minnesota Vikings clinched the NFC North. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings
MINNESOTA — Justin Jefferson is nearing a return.
The Vikings are set to designate their start receiver to return from injured reserve, opening his 21-day practice window, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
Speaking to reporter on Wednesday, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said it would be “a little aggressive” for Justin Jefferson (hamstring) to play in Week 10 against the Saints.“We’re going to do what’s best for Justin and make sure that we’re doing everything responsibly to make sure that when Justin does return, he can be the Justin Jefferson we all know and expect to see out there,” O’Connell said. “And I just credit him for how he’s worked through it and through this whole process.”
The 24-year-old went down with the injury in Week 5 and was given a timetable of 4-6 weeks. He will likely need to get in an entire week of practice before being cleared.
The Vikings have a Week 12 bye, so it will be interesting to see if the Vikings are willing to bring him back ahead of that in either of the next two weeks.
At 5-4 and right in the thick of a playoff race, it certainty makes sense to entertain it.
