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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has avoided a long-term injury after spraining his ankle during Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. NFL reports indicate he could potentially return to play as soon as Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins, pending his recovery progress throughout the week.
Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson avoided significant injury to his ankle during Sunday’s 23-16 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jefferson exited the game early after his left ankle was awkwardly rolled up on during a tackle in the first half.
The 26-year-old wideout started the contest strong by catching a deep 22-yard pass from Kyler Murray on the team’s opening play. He later added a 10-yard screen pass before heading into the blue medical tent and eventually walking to the locker room. Team officials ruled him out for the remainder of the contest early in the third quarter.
An MRI performed on Monday revealed a sprain with no additional damage. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters that the team received “good news” regarding the receiver’s condition after Sunday’s game.
Medical imaging confirmed that Jefferson avoided anything long-term, opening the door for a possible return as early as Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Reporting from NFL Network indicates that his availability will hinge on how fast he progresses throughout the week and the amount of swelling on his ankle.
O’Connell noted after Sunday’s victory that Jefferson was “close” to making it back into the contest before the coaching staff decided to keep him sidelined. The four-time Pro Bowl receiver currently leads the team with 179 receiving yards this season across three games.
Despite losing their top offensive target in the first half, the Vikings managed to hold off the winless Buccaneers to remain undefeated at 3-0 and sit atop the NFC North standings. Quarterback Kyler Murray completed 15 of 29 passes for 168 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown connection to Jordan Addison in the second quarter.
Addison finished the afternoon with 90 receiving yards on five catches to help cushion the offense in Jefferson’s absence. Medical staff and coaches will monitor Jefferson’s practice participation closely over the coming days as the team prepares to face Miami.
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