It’s not related to his contract negotiations, and Justin Jefferson isn’t intentionally causing frustration for fantasy football managers who selected him this season. According to the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, the sole reason he has been absent for six games is an ongoing issue with his strained right hamstring, which has yet to fully recover.
Approaching the third week of practice since the Vikings granted him permission to return from injured reserve, Jefferson remains uncertain about his participation in Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bears. Expressing his disappointment, he acknowledged the challenges of maintaining patience and ensuring a proper healing process for his injury, empathizing with the numerous fans who have reached out to him on social media.
Facing the possibility of missing his seventh game, Jefferson finds the situation frustrating but recognizes the necessity of prioritizing his health. Despite his recovery progressing to the point of running some practice routes at full speed, he remains cautious about committing to Monday night’s game, stating that the decision will depend on further evaluation and how well he feels.
The hamstring injury, suffered on October 8, led to the Vikings placing him on injured reserve two days later. With a 21-day practice window that began on November 8, Jefferson must be activated by November 29, or he will remain on injured reserve for the remainder of the season. The team and Jefferson agreed on a methodical approach, aiming to bring him back only when he is fully recovered.
Coach Kevin O’Connell acknowledged the possibility of Jefferson missing Monday’s game, potentially utilizing the Week 13 bye for additional recovery, targeting a return in Week 14 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Despite the agreed-upon recovery plan, fans have grown increasingly impatient. Earlier in the week, Jefferson emphasized on social media that his health takes precedence over fantasy football. He expressed frustration with the criticism he’s faced, highlighting the varying healing timelines for individuals.
Acknowledging the intensity of social media criticism, Jefferson admitted feeling tired of the situation and emphasized his focus on returning to the field. Responding to theories that his delayed return is related to a contract dispute with the Vikings, Jefferson asserted that it has no connection to his contract negotiations and that he remains committed to returning at full strength. In response to the backlash, he appeared to step away from social media, making both his X and Instagram accounts unavailable as of Friday afternoon. Despite the speculations and criticisms, Jefferson maintained his stance, stating, “I know my position. I know what I’m doing. And I know it’s not for the contract. It’s not for the contract at all.”
