Justin Jefferson Unlikely to Play vs Saints and We Aren’t Sure Why

Minnesota Vikings superstar wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, is eligible to come off injured reserve this week and play on Sunday when his teammates will suit up for a very important game vs the New Orleans Saints. But we’re finding out early this week, that’s unlikely to happen.

Justin Jefferson unlikely to play this weekend

Related: Vikings Running Back Options Limited with Cam Akers Out

According to multiple reports, Jefferson is unlikely to play this weekend. He may or may not be activated off injured reserve, but either way, he isn’t expected to suit up vs the Saints.

WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is unlikely to play this Sunday against the Saints, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported. Jefferson currently is on injured reserve but is eligible to have his 21-day practice window opened.

NFL.com

Is Jefferson return timeline based on injury or contract…?

JJ’s original injury timeline was 4-6 weeks so his return isn’t delayed, yet. But, there are some questions surrounding why he isn’t returning this week.

Many insiders, including Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) below, have openly been questioning if his absence is still due to injury or if it might have more to do with the record-breaking contract he doesn’t have yet…

“If I was going to bet, I’d bet [Justin Jefferson] is not going to play, simply because of the way they talked about it and that could be a number of things. [The Vikings] may be hearing from [JJ’s] camp, ‘we don’t want him to go out there until we are 1000% sure he’s ready’.

It could be [the Vikings] saying ‘we still need to put our best foot forward with him’, in terms of showing — and you hate to make this about the money stuff but this is a factor here, I think — you need to show [Jefferson’s camp] that you are going to do right by him in the long term. I’m sure that is in [the back of the Vikings’] minds.”

Ben Goessling – KFAN Radio Interview (11/7 – Paul Allen Show)

I do not want to jump to conclusions on why Justin Jefferson may or may not return to the Minnesota Vikings active roster this week. But I sure hope it’s not due to his contract, which isn’t due until after next season.

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If JJ is activated off injured reserve this week, it won’t necessarily mean he will play on Sunday. After being activated off IR, players have a 21-day window to join teammates at practice as they ramp up for they count against the 53-man roster.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan