Here’s something worth monitoring. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports the Minnesota Vikings will put superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson on injured reserve after he suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs — but he could return as soon as their Week 10 game with the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 12. The Saints will go into their bye week after that tilt.
Obviously Jefferson’s status depends on how his body responds to treatment. What’s clear is that he will have to miss their next four games recovering, and that he’ll be eligible to return for that Week 10 matchup with New Orleans. He’s a special player. Jefferson is currently tied for the sixth-most receptions (36) while ranking third in yards (571), having converted the fourth-most first downs (28) among receivers. After the NFL expanded its regular season to 17 games, he broke the record Michael Thomas set for receptions and won recognition as the league’s Offensive Player of the Year. If Jefferson is in a rush to get back on the field, he’ll be a tough out for the Saints secondary.
But there’s the rub. Will Jefferson hustle back to action for a 1-4 Vikings team that wouldn’t sign him to a long-term contract extension in the offseason? If Minnesota is fully in the tank once he’s eligible to return, the smarter play might be to protect himself and wait until a return after their Week 13 bye.
Jefferson acknowledged his high-stakes contract talks with the Vikings before the season, pointing out that ownership and team management declined to extend those negotiations into the season: “I’m in a different situation. I’ve done something that no one has ever done in the history of the game. So my situation is a little bit different than everyone else’s. Of course, I’m going into my fourth year, trying to talk about contract (stuff) two years early. There’s so many different parts that go in towards it. That’s why I leave it up to my agent and just keep my mindset on the field.”
We’ll keep an eye out for his progress in the weeks ahead, but it would be big for the Saints to be able to dodge him. But as far as they’re concerned, the Saints can’t afford to overlook the teams coming up on their schedule before Minnesota. A loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday would drop them back down to .500, and preparing for that game should be their top concern.
