Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson suffered a quad injury during Sunday’s 23–17 win over the San Francisco 49ers, but head coach Kevin O’Connell offered a positive update during his press conference heading into Week 3’s showdown against the Houston Texans.
“Justin did come in today feeling pretty good, which was a positive based upon the initial quad contusion that kinda happened on that run play,” O’Connell said. “We’ll be day-to-day with Justin. We’ll keep you guys posted throughout the week on his workload and what it looks like for Sunday, but pretty positive in the early returns there.”
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, despite being limited in Wednesday’s practice, Jefferson is ‘on track’ to face Houston at home in what will be a showdown between two undefeated squads.
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson participated in today’s walk through, despite his quad injury. It looks as if he is on track to play Sunday vs. the Texans. pic.twitter.com/GvL9tpGKYQ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2024
Jefferson said following Sunday’s game that he wasn’t planning on missing any games due to injury. He might be limited in practice, but a half-healthy Jefferson is better than not having the All-Pro target on the field against a fierce Texans’ defensive front.
“I’m not seriously injured,” Jefferson said. “So that’s the main important thing. So it’s just all about getting to the training room, making sure my body is right for next week, and I’ll be ready to go next Sunday.”
Jefferson’s will create a more dynamic matchup for Texans cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr and Kamari Lassiter. If DeMeco Ryans elects not to have Stingley travel, Lassiter, who recorded his first interception in last week’s win over the Bears, will be tasked with slowing down perhaps the league’s top target.
Late last season, Ryans started having Stingley travel to match up with a team’s No. 1 receiver. It helped eliminate explosive plays while securing a postseason berth for the first time in four years.
With Sam Darnold taking over as the starting quarterback, Jefferson is on pace for another 1,000-yard campaign. He’s totaled 192 yards through two weeks, including four receptions of over 20 yards. In Sunday’s 23-17 win over the 49ers, he caught a 97-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.
Since being drafted out of LSU in 2020, Jefferson has recorded 400 receptions for 6,091 yards, 32 touchdowns, and an average of 15.2 yards per reception in 62 games.
