Vikings Receive Encouraging Update on Justin Jefferson’s Ankle Injury

The Vikings appear to have avoided a significant injury to star WR Justin Jefferson following Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers.

Jefferson suffered a left ankle injury in the first quarter of Minnesota’s 23-16 victory and did not return. After the game, HC Kevin O’Connell told reporters that the injury did not appear “terribly serious initially.”

Jefferson underwent further testing on Monday, and the results showed he avoided any major injury and could potentially be available for Minnesota’s Week 4 matchup against the Dolphins.

The 4x All-Pro caught both of his targets for 32 yards before suffering the injury on a 10-yard reception during Minnesota’s opening possession.

Jefferson initially stayed on the sideline and tried to get ready to return, but was ultimately shut down by staffers.

“I just know that he was pretty close to coming back in,” O’Connell said. “He just couldn’t get there. He’s such an explosive player, and the way he gets defended, he needs to be able to have [his legs] getting off the line, press coverage, all those things. He just couldn’t quite get there. I know he was trying like crazy, and it was killing him not to get back out there.”

Jordan Addison stepped up after Jefferson exited, finishing with 5 catches for 90 yards and a 41-yard TD. Jefferson has recorded 13 catches for 179 yards and 2 TDs through the first 3 games.