The Minnesota Vikings were able to pick up a 3-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14. It wasn’t the prettiest performance, but it counts all the same, as their record is now 7-6 on the season.
However, it wasn’t all positive for the Vikings. After returning to the field for the first time since Week 5, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was knocked out of the game once again because of an injury.
The silver lining was that he didn’t reaggravate his hamstring injury which kept him out for over two months. This time, it was a chest injury after Jefferson received a bone-crushing hit delivered by Raiders’ safety Marcus Epps.
NFL News & Rumors: Joshua Dobbs, Justin Jefferson, Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings Updates
Jefferson was looking to make a play on a poorly placed ball from quarterback Joshua Dobbs that left him exposed. Epps crushed him, resulting in Jefferson’s day coming to an early. He was sent for more evaluations but eventually returned to the sidelines and flew home with the team, which is an encouraging update.
Alas, Jefferson is not yet out of the woods. Dr. Jesse Morse on X, formerly known as Twitter, provided a concerning injury update for the star wide receiver, going over the different ailments he could be suffering from.
If Jefferson has no fracture to his ribs or cartilage, he could be out there in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals. If anything of that sort is found, he is looking at a 2-3 week absence in the opinion of Dr. Morse. The one positive is that organ damage can likely be ruled out, otherwise, he wouldn’t have been released from the hospital and flown home with the team.
NFL News & Rumors: Joshua Dobbs, Justin Jefferson, Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings Updates
The Vikings and their fans are crossing their fingers hoping the injury isn’t severe at all. The team was able to remain afloat without Jefferson for eight games, but their hopes of making a run at a playoff spot certainly improves with him in the lineup.
There is even an outside chance the Vikings can make a run in their division. With the Detroit Lions’ loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 14, Minnesota is two games behind in the standings. With two matchups against Detroit remaining, that ground can be made up as a 4-0 close to the season would result in an NFC North title.
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