MINNEAPOLIS — Vikings star Justin Jefferson left the game in the fourth quarter against the Chiefs on Sunday with a hamstring injury and did not return. It’s unclear when the team’s No. 1 wide receiver will return, with head coach Kevin O’Connell telling reporters after the game that it’s too early to determine a timetable for Jefferson’s availability.
During Kansas City’s 27-20 win in Week 5, Jefferson slipped on the U.S. Bank Stadium turf while running against Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie. He was ruled unable to return and remained on the sidelines while limping to receive medical attention. But he didn’t take another shot before the final buzzer, leaving rookie Jordan Addison as the perfect target for Kirk Cousins.
After the game, O’Connell personally visited Jefferson’s locker room on his way to the podium to try to comfort the receiver, who did not speak to reporters. The Pro Bowler wasn’t the only player to suffer a non-contact injury at Vikings Stadium, as Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was briefly sidelined with a low ankle sprain he suffered when he slipped on the turf. leave.
Even before his early departure, the Chiefs had him as part of their defensive game plan.
“We nailed his position on every play,” safety Justin Reed told CBS Sports after Sunday’s game. “Whether he’s in the frontcourt, backcourt or in the slot, we want to make sure we know where he is and have at least a few pairs of eyes on him. We know he’s a guy who can disrupt a game at any time.” So we have to make sure we’re tough on Kirk Cousins and not make him an option. “
Jefferson entered the game with an NFL-leading 543 yards, but ended Sunday’s game with just three catches for 28 yards.
