Justin Jefferson Returns to Practice After 25-Day Recovery

Justin Jefferson, the star receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, returned to practice on Monday, marking his first participation in 25 days. This significant moment comes as he continues to recover from a strained left hamstring sustained during training camp last month. Jefferson had not practiced since the second day of training camp, prompting the team to adopt a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.

With a history of hamstring injuries, including a seven-game absence last season due to a strain in his other leg, the Vikings are prioritizing Jefferson’s long-term health. During Monday’s practice, he engaged in warmups and individual drills but did not partake in the 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 team exercises. While he is set to miss the Vikings’ preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans on Friday night, Jefferson is on track to be ready for the opening game of the regular season against the Chicago Bears on September 10, 2023, at 20:15 ET.

Jefferson’s Role During Recovery

Throughout his time on the sidelines, Jefferson played an important role in motivating his teammates. As requested by head coach Kevin O’Connell, he has been present at nearly all training camp practices, offering encouragement and advice to other receivers. Despite the positive impact he has had on the team, Jefferson expressed his desire to be actively involved in games. “I’m a kid at heart. I want to be out here with the guys. I want to be playing football and I want to be in the mix,” he said. “It’s not fun just working out with yourself and competing with yourself. So it is definitely tough at times mentally.”

Jefferson has also taken this time to analyze the underlying causes of his recurring hamstring issues. “What I got from it is I’m different than a lot of other people,” he explained. He noted that his unique movement patterns and body positioning could be contributing factors to the stress his hamstrings endure. “It is kind of weird and it is kind of difficult to really explain, but just putting my body in difficult positions is essential for my recovery.”

Receiver Position Challenges for the Vikings

Jefferson’s return is especially crucial given the current instability within the Vikings’ receiving corps. Jordan Addison, another key receiver, is set to serve a three-game suspension to start the NFL season. Additionally, presumed No. 3 receiver Jalen Nailor has not practiced since suffering a hand injury during joint practices with the New England Patriots. O’Connell described Nailor’s situation as “week-to-week,” and while he did not confirm whether surgery is an option, the team is actively exploring the best course of action for his return.

In the absence of Addison and Nailor, the Vikings have rotated several receivers during training camp, including veterans Tim Jones, Lucky Jackson, and Thayer Thomas, along with rookie Tai Felton. This rotation underscores the urgency for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.

As the Vikings gear up for their preseason finale and the regular season, the return of Justin Jefferson offers a much-needed boost to an otherwise challenged receiving group. His participation will be closely monitored as the team aims to maximize his impact on the field come September.