Justin Jefferson Back at Practice but Return Timeline Remains a Mystery

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NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Questions have been floating around on whether or not the Minnesota Vikings would designate Justin Jefferson for a return to practice, from the injured reserve list, this week. But on Wednesday, that’s exactly what happened, which triggers a 21-day window where JJ can practice with the team but not count against the 53-man roster.

Justin Jefferson return timeline/motives unknown

We still do not know when Jefferson plans to return, during his 3-week window, but he is not expected to play this weekend vs the New Orleans Saints. We also don’t know whether or not JJ’s game status is even based on injury anymore. There are rumors floating that his hesitations to get back on the field are contract-related.

Related: Vikings Think Kevin O’Connell Might be NFL’s Next Great Coach

According to Alec Lewis (The Athletic), Jefferson’s workouts inside TCO Performance Center have been intense. Obviously, surrounding new QB1, Josh Dobbs, with as much talent as possible is the goal. But JJ has a lot of cash on the line.

Jefferson has been working out aggressively inside the TCO Performance Center. Last week, he was sprinting throughout the indoor practice facility. He entered the locker room afterward in full sweat. This is happening at a fascinating timec, too. The Vikings have won four games in a row. They have four winnable games ahead.

Alec Lewis (The Athletic)

Who knows how all of this turns out… but it sure seems like we are inching closer and closer to a contract extension that, in all reality, might need to happen before Jefferson returns to the field. And call me a selfish shellfish… but if I had $100’s of millions on the line, I’m not sure I’d put it all on the line for my teammates either.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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