Justin Jefferson will miss Sunday’s game against Miami, leaving the Vikings without their top receiver.
Minnesota ruled out Jefferson, cornerback Charles Demmings and punter Brett Thorson on Friday. Jefferson sprained his left ankle in the first quarter against Tampa Bay and did not practice all week. He has 13 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns through three games.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said Friday Jefferson is “definitely feeling better” and that the team is encouraged, but he “just couldn’t get there” in time for the Dolphins game. O’Connell said the goal is to get Jefferson back to practice next week, ahead of Minnesota’s trip to New Orleans.
That is a goal, not a guarantee. The Week 5 game against the Saints is meaningful for Jefferson, who grew up in Louisiana, but the Vikings will have to see how he responds to treatment and whether he is ready to return. With a bye in Week 6, Minnesota also has a natural opportunity to give him more time if he needs it. For now, the team’s stated priority is getting him healthy enough to play like himself.
The injury leaves Kyler Murray and Jefferson with little time together so far this season. Murray said Thursday that he has faith in the entire receiver room, calling it “one of, if not the best receiver group in the league.” He also praised Jordan Addison, who stepped up after Jefferson left the Tampa game.
Addison caught five passes for 90 yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers, including a 41-yard scoring connection with Murray. He is in line to be Minnesota’s primary receiving option on Sunday. Addison commented Thursday that the group needs to elevate together, avoid penalties and finish drives in the end zone.
The Vikings have also had a full week to prepare for Jefferson’s absence, unlike last Sunday, when they had to adjust after he left during the opening drive. O’Connell said the preparation gives the rest of the receivers more clarity about where they will line up and how Minnesota will use its personnel groupings.
Jauan Jennings, T.J. Hockenson, Tai Felton and Myles Price are among the other players expected to contribute. O’Connell said Jennings had been asked to do more than the position-specific work he had practiced during the week, while Felton and Price were preparing for expanded opportunities.
Jennings has one catch through three games, but the Vikings signed him for his physical style and ability to contribute beyond the receiving stats. With a complete game plan in place, Minnesota should have a better sense of how to use him than it did after Jefferson’s early exit in Tampa.
The other absences affect two additional phases. Demmings, a rookie cornerback, will be missed primarily on special teams, where he has worked as one of the Vikings’ gunners. Demmings’ hamstring injury also means Minnesota will be without a young player who had begun seeing opportunities in the secondary. Zemaiah Vaughn should be expected to step into the CB4 role in his absence.
Thorson is out with a right hamstring injury, so Johnny Hekker will punt for the second straight week. Hekker handled eight punts in Tampa, averaging 46.5 yards, and O’Connell praised his work after the Vikings needed him throughout the game. The team elevated the veteran again as Thorson continues to recover.
Blake Cashman, who was limited early in the week with an elbow injury, returned to full participation Friday and has no game designation. Aaron Jones’ only injury-report listing was for rest, while Christian Darrisaw and Harrison Smith also received rest days. None of them was ruled out.
Jefferson’s absence is the central concern, particularly for an offense still building rhythm with Murray. But Minnesota has had time to prepare, Addison showed what he can do when the opportunity comes, and the coaching staff has identified several players who will need to take on more. Sunday will show whether that preparation can turn into a more connected performance — keep the Vikings moving while their star receiver works toward a return.
About The Author
