Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is “very close” to making a return from the hamstring injury that has caused him to miss six games this season, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Monday.
Jefferson will not be active for Monday night’s game against the visiting Bears, which will mark a seventh consecutive missed game, but he’s projected to return after the team’s bye week when it plays at the Raiders on Dec. 10.
Jefferson landed on the injured reserve list after hurting his right hamstring in Week 5 matchup against the Chiefs. The Vikings were 1–4 at that point in the season. Minnesota currently holds a 6–5 record ahead of Monday night’s game against Chicago.
#Vikings star WR Justin Jefferson is “very close” to returning from his hamstring injury, per source, but the team will play it safe and not activate him for tonight’s game vs. Chicago.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 27, 2023
Jefferson is expected to be 100% after the bye, practice fully and play Dec. 10 at Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/45nO9qHY6d
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said at the time of the injury that the team wanted Jefferson to be “100%” before returning, and it appears the receiver is finally close to reaching that point.
In five games this season, Jefferson has recorded 571 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 36 catches.
