Vikings Receive Disappointing Justin Jefferson Update Ahead of Preseason Opener originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Justin Jefferson’s availability continues to be a major concern in the Minnesota Vikings camp as the team gears up for its preseason opener. Days into training camp, the superstar wide receiver complained about discomfort in his left hamstring.
Upon further evaluation, the four-time Pro Bowler was diagnosed with a mild hamstring strain. The Vikings’ head coach, Kevin O’Connell, was relieved to avoid anything major. He praised Jefferson for his ability to recognize his feelings.
O’Connell also clarified that it’s not the same leg that sidelined him for seven games in 2023. While there is no doubt about Jefferson’s availability for the Week 1 clash against the Chicago Bears, the 26-year-old’s return to training camp might be delayed.
NFL insider Darren Wolfson shared a concerning update about Jefferson’s recovery. He believes it’s highly unlikely for the Vikings’ WR to join the practice next week ahead of the fixture against the New England Patriots.
“I do think at some point, maybe it’s that last week in August, or maybe it’s when things ramp up #Bears preparation week, that Jefferson gets some good reps in,” Wolfson said.
It’s “probably a long shot” that #Vikings WR Justin Jefferson returns to practice next week against the #Patriots, @DWolfsonKSTP mentioned via @SKORNorth.
“I do think at some point, maybe it’s that last week in August, or maybe it’s when things ramp up #Bears preparation week,… pic.twitter.com/E9BhXJASWv
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 8, 2025
Minnesota will play its first preseason game against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Jefferson hasn’t played in the preseason for the last three seasons, and his hamstring injury will keep him away from action this season as well.
Jefferson’s injury timing makes things difficult, as Minnesota heads into a transition season. With rookie J.J. McCarthy set to take the reins as QB1, he has now missed the opportunity to build more chemistry with his third quarterback in six seasons.
Having already established multiple franchise records and his status among the league’s top receivers, Jefferson faces perhaps his greatest challenge yet. The team’s championship aspirations mostly depend on how quickly this new quarterback-receiver duo can develop the timing and trust that makes great offenses work.
The Vikings will also face the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans in the preseason before kicking off their 2025 campaign against the Bears on September 8.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
