Jefferson Out Week 4
Vikings Rule Out Star Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson for Sunday Against Miami
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Key Points
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Jefferson had two catches for 32 yards before leaving the Tampa Bay game; through three games this season, he had 13 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
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Tight end Josh Oliver is also out for the season with a torn biceps.
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Along with Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings and Tai Felton were identified as likely to take on most of the Vikings’ wide-receiver snaps.
The Minnesota Vikings ruled out star wide receiver Justin Jefferson for Sunday's Week 4 home game against the Miami Dolphins after he sprained his ankle in last week's win over Tampa Bay. Yahoo Sports reported that Jefferson did not practice all week, but coach Kevin O'Connell said the injury is not expected to sideline him long term. The Vikings enter Week 4 undefeated at 3-0.
Jefferson caught two passes for 32 yards before leaving the Tampa Bay game in the first quarter football.realgm.com. Through three games this season, he has 13 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns. His absence puts greater responsibility on teammates Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and Tai Felton to lead Minnesota's receiving corps against Miami.
Jefferson Leaves Game After First-Quarter Ankle Injury
Jefferson got hurt during the first quarter of Minnesota's Week 3 victory over Tampa Bay when a defender landed on his leg. UPI confirmed the injury is a left ankle sprain with no long-term structural damage shown on the MRI. Jefferson exited the game after recording two catches for 32 yards. He missed all scheduled team practices Wednesday through Friday.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell announced the ruling out Friday afternoon. Yahoo Sports reported O'Connell said, "He's definitely feeling better... I think we're encouraged about where he's at, but he just couldn't get there." The coach expressed optimism that Jefferson could return to practice before Week 5's game at New Orleans.
Addison Steps Up as Primary Target Against Miami
Jordan Addison becomes the Vikings' top receiving threat with Jefferson sidelined. TWSN noted that Addison caught five passes for 90 yards and one touchdown in Week 3 after Jefferson left the game. Jauan Jennings and Tai Felton are also expected to handle significant wide-receiver snaps. Quarterback Kyler Murray expressed full confidence in the group Thursday, calling it "one of, if not the best receiver group in the league."
Minnesota's coaching staff has one full week to design plays around the available receivers. TWSN reported that unlike Week 3's in-game adjustments, the Vikings can now prepare a complete game plan without Jefferson. The Dolphins' secondary has struggled with zone coverage through three weeks, which could benefit Minnesota's passing attack.
Roster Changes Include New Punter for Week 4
Punter Brett Thorson is also ruled out for Sunday with a hamstring injury. Yahoo Sports reported that Johnny Hekker will be elevated from the practice squad to handle punting duties. Cornerback Charles Demmings is ruled out as well. Tight end Josh Oliver remains sidelined for the season with a torn biceps.
The Vikings play at New Orleans in Week 5 before a Week 6 bye, giving the coaching staff flexibility with Jefferson's recovery timeline. Minnesota's undefeated record and strong roster depth have positioned the team well to manage Jefferson's one-game absence without panic.
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