MN Vikings Superstar Wide Receiver is Out of Action

The Minnesota Vikings are still awaiting word on what the result of wide receiver Jordan Addison’s “wet reckless” plea will be. It’s almost certain they’ll be without his services for a few games once the regular season kicks off.

That makes life a bit more tough for young quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Kevin O’Connell will want the full complement of offensive talent as his disposal as much as possible this season. That’s largely why Justin Jefferson removed himself from practice on Thursday, and will be sitting on the sidelines a bit longer.

Justin Jefferson practicing caution with injury for Minnesota Vikings

Two years ago the Minnesota Vikings got just 10 games of regular season action from Justin Jefferson. He suffered a hamstring injury that proved to be more than something mild and it kept him off the field. The superstar wideout knows what that feels like and wanted to catch it early this time.

Justin Jefferson has a mild hamstring strain, Kevin O’Connell said. The #Vikings receiver took himself out of practice yesterday and won’t practice today. He’ll be re-evaluated next week.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) July 25, 2025

Kevin O'Connell on Justin Jefferson: "The best thing is, we avoided anything serious. I see no concerns in regards to the opener (against Chicago). I have no worry at all that we’ll be able to get Justin ready to go for the regular season.”

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) July 25, 2025

Jefferson told reporters, that he had “a little bit of tightness,” and with the “past injuries I’ve had, it’s just taking precaution and understanding it’s the second day of camp, not the 30th. Just making sure I’m healthy and good to go.”

The success of the Minnesota Vikings season largely rests on the shoulders of Jefferson, The offense goes as he does, and with McCarthy taking over, he can command the defensive presence.

Last season Jefferson played in all 17 games while accumulating 1,533 yards with quarterback Sam Darnold. He earned the big payday, and has surpassed 1,000 yards in each of his five professional seasons.

Obviously the hamstring is an integral part of any athlete’s game, but even moreso a speedy wide receiver. Jefferson will want to make sure he is feeling comfortable and confident in his soft tissues when the regular season opens.

MN Vikings avoid serious concern with Jefferson

The fact that both Jefferson and O’Connell have been through this before together suggests they know what to expect. They also know what to avoid and what is not worth pushing through.

Training camp just opened and Justin Jefferson isn’t going to miss anything by waiting until next week to let the muscle calm down. He has worked with McCarthy plenty over the summer and their ability to develop chemistry has been an ongoing focal point.

Related: Former MN Vikings Linebacker Calls It a Career

Minnesota doesn’t kick off the preseason slate until August 9 against Houston, and it’s unlikely he would have played in that game anyway. The date to keep an eye on is August 16th against the Patriots, and the week leading up to it with join practices.

The Vikings lost Mekhi Blackmon early on last summer and it altered their defensive plans. They need to escape injury issues this year, and Jefferson is the last guy the way to worry about.