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The earliest Jefferson could return would be in
Week 10 on Nov. 12 against the New Orleans Saints. Among the
games he would miss for the Vikings (1-4) include contests
against two NFC North rivals, Chicago and Green Bay.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell addressed the possibility of losing
Jefferson, who is itching to play, on Monday.
"We're going to do what's best for Justin and make sure we give
him the treatment and plan that is a big picture positive for
him," O'Connell said.
Jefferson has been a workhorse for the Vikings, who selected him
with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The 24-year-old has yet to miss a game in his career, playing in
55 with 53 starts. He led the NFL last season with 128 catches
for 1,809 yards, his third straight season with at least 1,400
yards.
He caught eight touchdown passes last season and has 28 for his
career.
Through the first five weeks this season, Jefferson has 36
catches for 571 yards and three scores. So far this season,
Jefferson has played 92 percent of the Vikings' snaps, equal to
his 2022 total.
With Jefferson out, the Vikings are expected to rely on rookie
Jordan Addison along with K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell.
Addison had six receptions for 64 yards and one touchdown
against the Chiefs and has 19 receptions for 249 yards this
season. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is second on the team in
receptions with 30 catches for 254 yards and two touchdowns.
--Field Level Media
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