The Minnesota Vikings have somehow put themselves in sixth place in the NFC even without their injured starting quarterback and with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson out since early October with a hamstring ailment.
With the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers now joining the hunt for a Wild Card playoff spot, the Vikings will need several more wins to reach the postseason, starting with one this Sunday at the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jefferson is expected to finally make his return to game action in that contest, per Tom Pelissero.
For the first time since his hamstring injury in Week 5, #Vikings All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson was a full participant in practice today. He’s set to return Sunday at Las Vegas.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 6, 2023
Fans are largely happy to see one of the NFL’s best wide receivers play once again.
That’s what we like to hear!
— Depressed Bears Fan (@DepBearsFan) December 6, 2023
THE MAN IS BACKKKK!!!!! pic.twitter.com/506DpaKuqS
— SkolSessions (@skolsessions) December 6, 2023
These fans are also happy because it could mean help for their fantasy football teams.
just in time to save my crawling fantasy squad
— Peter Barry (@PBarry04) December 6, 2023
Saving my fantasy season🥹
— ✞ (@SwoMo22) December 6, 2023
Jefferson was off to a fantastic start before his injury, and he put up 571 receiving yards and three touchdowns in his first five games this year.
When healthy, he’s arguably the best wide receiver in the game today, especially because of his speed downfield and ability to make contested catches from distance.
In his absence, tight end T.J. Hockenson has played very well, while rookie wideout Jordan Addison has registered 686 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games.
Things have changed in Minnesota since Jefferson went down, mostly because star quarterback Kirk Cousins went down with a torn Achilles and has been replaced by Josh Dobbs.
Minnesota’s schedule to close the year will be difficult, as they will play the Detroit Lions twice and the Packers once in the last three weeks of the regular season.
NEXT:
Insider Reveals Massive Justin Jefferson Update Wednesday
