The Minnesota Vikings are handling star wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s injury cautiously, recognizing his value to the team. Despite doctors initially suggesting a 4-6 week recovery for his strained hamstring, Jefferson, an All-Pro, supports the decision to keep him sidelined, prioritizing his health and future in the game.
“My health is wayyyy more important than you winning your fantasy games,” Jefferson posted to X. “It doesn’t matter how many times y’all flood my [DMs] talking about me selling your team. I DON’T CARE 😂.”
However, some impatient fans, eager for his return, have bombarded Jefferson’s DMs with pleas, prompting him to emphasize that his well-being outweighs their fantasy football concerns.
My health is wayyyy more important than you winning your fantasy games. It doesn’t matter how many times y’all flood my dms talking about me selling your team. I DONT CARE😂
— JJETS✈️ (@JJettas2) November 21, 2023
Jefferson suffered the hamstring injury during Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 8. Although there’s a possibility of his return against the Chicago Bears on November 27, the team’s bye week following that game could extend his recovery period. Head coach Kevin O’Connell described Jefferson as “questionable” for the Bears’ game, emphasizing the need to be strategic in his return, possibly delaying it until December 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert and Field Yates.
Remarkably, the Vikings managed a five-game winning streak post-Jefferson’s injury, showcasing resilience despite also losing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. The streak ended with a narrow 21-20 loss to the Denver Broncos, highlighting the team’s ability to perform well even in Jefferson’s absence. With a favorable schedule ahead, facing teams with mixed records, the Vikings remain strong playoff contenders.
ESPN’s Football Power Index projects a 78% chance of the Vikings making the playoffs, despite the recent loss. Predictions indicate a potential 39% chance as the No. 6 seed, a 20% chance as the No. 7 seed, a 6% chance as the No. 5 seed, and a 7% chance as the No. 3 seed. These probabilities could improve when Jefferson returns, contributing to the team’s postseason aspiration.
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