By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
Notification Show More
Latest News
Elite, fearless, generational: Cooper Flagg ready to shine at Madison Square Garden
Elite, fearless, generational: Cooper Flagg ready to shine at Madison Square Garden
Game Analysis
Michigan State takes control of Big Ten with 75-62 win over Michigan
Michigan State takes control of Big Ten with 75-62 win over Michigan
Game Analysis
Eric Dixon scores 23 points to lead Villanova over No. 16 Marquette 81-66
Eric Dixon scores 23 points to lead Villanova over No. 16 Marquette 81-66
Game Analysis
Michigan State's Jase Richardson makes nasty spin move and finishes with layup to extend lead against Michigan
Michigan State’s Jase Richardson makes nasty spin move and finishes with layup to extend lead against Michigan
Game Analysis
No. 16 Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Villanova Wildcats Highlights | FOX College Hoops
No. 16 Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Villanova Wildcats Highlights | FOX College Hoops
Game Analysis
Aa
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Reading: Vikings will be ‘smart’ with Jefferson as bye nears
Share
Aa
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Search
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
BigPaulSports > Blog > NFL > Vikings will be ‘smart’ with Jefferson as bye nears
NFLSports News

Vikings will be ‘smart’ with Jefferson as bye nears

BigP
Last updated: 2023/11/20 at 10:52 PM
BigP Published November 20, 2023
Share
Vikings will be 'smart' with Jefferson as bye nears
SHARE
  • Kevin Seifert, ESPN Staff WriterNov 20, 2023, 05:11 PM ET

    Close

      Kevin Seifert is a staff writer who covers the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL at ESPN. Kevin has covered the NFL for over 20 years, joining ESPN in 2008. He was previously a beat reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Washington Times. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia. You can follow him via Twitter @SeifertESPN.

The Minnesota Vikings will continue to ramp up receiver Justin Jefferson‘s recovery this week from an injured right hamstring, coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday, but the team might keep him sidelined for next Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bears to capitalize on the bye week that follows.

“I think that will definitely go into the decision-making process,” O’Connell said. “We’re right at that six-week mark or so. He’s really attacked his rehab, and I think when that time comes, we’ll feel comfortable with Justin being out there. I know Justin will as well. It’s one of those things that knowing you have the bye, and knowing there are five critical [games] to come after that bye, we do have to be smart.

“This is a player that means a ton to our organization, both for this home stretch to try to solidify our positioning in the playoffs and still try to compete in the division as much as we possibly can, but Justin means a lot more than just these five or six games, as critical as they are. His long-term career here is the priority.”

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

Ever since the injury occurred in Week 5, both O’Connell and Jefferson have said he would not return until he is 100 percent. The Vikings opened his 21-day practice window Nov. 8, as soon as he was eligible, but the timing of their bye could wind up giving him a total of eight weeks off if he does not return until their Dec. 10 game at the Las Vegas Raiders.

O’Connell said the bye “doesn’t mean he is going to be any less likely or more likely to play” against the Bears. But the eight-week timeline is clearly an attractive option.

Speaking two weeks ago, Jefferson insisted he wanted to return as soon as he believes he is ready.

“I love the game of football,” he said. “I always say that I want to be a Hall of Famer so I can’t just sit out, missing games just for the fun of it, or just because we aren’t doing well. I know I have a big role on this team and I know that every chance that I get to be on that field, I want to make the most of those opportunities.”

The Vikings won their first five games after Jefferson’s injury before losing Sunday night to the Denver Broncos. They are 6-5 and have a 79% chance to make the playoffs, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index.

Meanwhile, the Vikings plan to add defensive lineman Dean Lowry to injured reserve because of a torn pectoral muscle he suffered Sunday night in Denver. Lowry, who signed a two-year contract in free agency that will pay him $4.5 million in 2023, had 14 tackles this season in nine games, including four starts. To fill his roster spot, the Vikings activated offensive lineman Chris Reed from the reserve/non-football injury list.

Sponsored Content

Bet the World Cup in Wager.dm

You Might Also Like

2025 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, updates, best players available

Eagles LB Nolan Smith played through Super Bowl LIX with torn triceps

Cam Newton has to ‘own up’ to ‘losers’ comment, says former HC Ron Rivera

Following 4 Nations Face-off, what’s the ultimate Team USA flag football roster?

BigP November 20, 2023
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print

Follow US

Find US on Social Medias
Facebook Like
Twitter Follow
Youtube Subscribe
Telegram Follow
newsletter featurednewsletter featured

Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

    Popular News
    Mahomes weighs in on Rice issues, Butker views
    NFLSports News

    Mahomes weighs in on Rice issues, Butker views

    BigP BigP May 23, 2024
    Now that the Saints are back in the first round, will they use the pick to get a QB?
    ‘Our team feeds off them’: Bond between Deebo Samuel, Trent Williams gives 49ers their edge
    Jennifer King to coach Senior Bowl running backs
    Sources: Shepard reunites with Mayfield on Bucs
    - Advertisement -
    Ad imageAd image

    Categories

    • Sports

    About US

    We offer information and tips on US Sports and evernts all over the world.
    Top Categories
    • Game Analysis
    • Free Picks
    • Services
    • Premium Content

    Subscribe US

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

      © Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.

      Removed from reading list

      Undo
      Welcome Back!

      Sign in to your account

      Lost your password?