The Minnesota Vikings were able to defeat the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14, but they still exited the game with some concerns. Numerous players were injured in the contest, including star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Jefferson was making his first appearance since Week 5 when he injured his hamstring late in the matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. He got off to a strong start, catching two passes for 27 yards. But, his second reception ended up being his last play of the game.
Joshua Dobbs threw a dangerous pass to Jefferson over the middle of the field, which he hauled in for a 15-yard gain. He was exposed making the leaping, extended catch and absorbing a bone-crushing hit from safety Marcus Epps.
NFL News & Rumors: Kevin O’Connell, Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings Updates
Jefferson exited the game and did not return. He left for more evaluations but eventually returned to the sideline to watch the remainder of the game. The Vikings were keeping an eye on him throughout the week and on Tuesday, they provided a little bit of positive news.
For practice on Tuesday, Jefferson was listed as a limited participant, meaning things are moving in the right direction for him. Any amount of practice time is encouraging even with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell saying he is day-to-day.
If he is able to play in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Jefferson will be catching passes from a new quarterback. Nick Mullens, the team’s backup for the last few games, will be taking over as the starter. He replaced Joshua Dobbs in the fourth quarter against the Raiders and led the team on the drive that resulted in the game-winning field goal in a 3-0 win.
NFL News & Rumors: Kevin O’Connell, Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings Updates
Jefferson isn’t the only Vikings player that people are keeping an eye on for injury updates this week. Offensive lineman Brian O’Neill and running back Alexander Mattison were both injured against the Raiders.
Those two, along with wide receiver Jalen Nailor, did not practice on Tuesday. Offensive linemen Ed Ingram and Dalton Risner were able to get in limited sessions, as the Vikings practice has turned into a rehab center.
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