Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson suffered an apparent leg injury in the second half of his team’s Week 2 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Jefferson was banged-up while blocking on a running play in the third quarter. He came across the field to try to get in the way of 49ers defenders, but he crashed into Fred Warner on the play.
Jefferson eventually limped off the field with assistance from Minnesota’s training staff. He was brought into the blue medical tent for treatment before walking back to the locker room under his own power for further evaluation.
The Vikings later announced that Jefferson was questionable to return with a quad injury. The veteran wide-out led the team with 133 yards and a touchdown on four catches before exiting the game.
Justin Jefferson injury update
Following the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that Jefferson suffered a quad contusion, and that ‘hopefully’ the wideout can be considered day-to-day.
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Jefferson’s injury occurred with 52 seconds left in the third quarter. It came while he was serving as a decoy on a Ty Chandler run.
Chandler ran around the left end for a five-yard gain while Jefferson came from his outside receiver position to help block. He ran into Warner while doing so, and fell to the ground in pain. He remained down after the play, as did 49ers star Nick Bosa, who was also hurt during the run.
The Vikings announced Jefferson had suffered a quad injury on the play, which was reaffirmed by O’Connell following the game
Who is Justin Jefferson’s backup on Vikings depth chart?
Trishton Jackson is listed as Jefferson’s direct backup on the Vikings’ depth chart. Jackson starred for Minnesota in the preseason and showcased good deep speed and chemistry with the Vikings quarterbacks.
Jackson, Jalen Nailer, Trent Sherfield and Brandon Powell would be the only healthy receivers on Minnesota’s roster. Jordan Addison missed the Vikings’ Week 2 game because of an ankle injury.
Justin Jefferson stats
Jefferson recorded four catches for 133 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers before exiting the game. He was Sam Darnold’s favorite target and made an impressive, 97-yard scoring grab that saw him show off his after-the-catch ability.
Jefferson entered the game coming off a four-catch, 56-yard performance against the Giants with one touchdown.