The Minnesota Vikings lost star wideout Justin Jefferson early in Sunday’s game in Florida after he suffered an ankle injury on the opening drive. Jefferson appeared to get off to a normal start at Raymond James Stadium, hauling in a 22-yard deep pass from Kyler Murray on the first play and later catching a 10-yard screen that set up a 54-yard field goal from Will Reichard.
He did not return on the following Vikings possession and was taken into the sideline medical tent for an extended evaluation. The team labeled the issue as an ankle injury and listed him as questionable to return.
Replays showed Jefferson’s left ankle roll awkwardly during the tackle on that second catch. Details about the extent of the injury have not been released.
He was seen on the Vikings’ sideline later in the first half moving around but never re-entered the contest and eventually went to the locker room. The team officially ruled him out early in the third quarter.
Coming into the game Jefferson had totaled 147 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season in his seventh NFL year. The 26-year-old recorded 1,048 yards last year — a career low — though it marked his sixth consecutive season with at least 1,000 receiving yards.
Minnesota is 2-0 so far, having come back to beat the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 and then edging the Chicago Bears 9-3 in a rain-soaked game at Soldier Field last week.
Fan Take: Jefferson’s early exit is a major concern for Vikings fans and NFL observers — he’s a game-changing talent whose availability shapes Minnesota’s offense and the balance of the NFC. If the injury keeps him out for more than a short spell, it could alter the Vikings’ plans and ripple through the division as defenses adjust to a Jefferson-less lineup.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
