Justin Jefferson will be out for at least four games in the NFL.
So far in the 2023 season, wide receiver has had a rough time.
The Minnesota Vikings are still in a state of flux, with real doubts about Kurt Cousins’ ability to lead a team into the promised land known as the playoffs.
Difficulties with the quarterback’s on-field connection with his key wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, are well documented.
The Vikings are also in a tricky position because Jefferson’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current season, and many within the club believe he will not sign an extension until it is clear who will be the starting quarterback in 2024.
The Vikings will, however, get a taste of life without Jefferson in the near future, as the receiver has been placed on the injured reserve list.
Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and the team’s medical staff did a more thorough evaluation on Monday.
The hamstring injury was deemed significant enough for Jefferson to be placed on the injured reserve list, and he is not anticipated to play again for at least four games.
Sports fans and conspiracy theories typically go hand in hand, but others believe Jefferson’s injury may really be beneficial to the club.
The Vikings’ season is in shambles, with a 1-4 record that places them alongside some of the league’s weakest clubs.
The incentive for finishing last this season is a chance to draft standout quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall choice in 2024.
Jefferson’s absence will hurt the club; it’s feasible that they won’t win a single game without him. However, if he knows that a player like Williams would be arriving in the offseason, he may be more willing to sign an extension.
