Jefferson returns to practice with Vikings in latest ramp-up of hamstring for regular season

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Justin Jefferson has rejoined the Minnesota Vikings for practice, after a mild strain of his left hamstring kept him sidelined for 3 1/2 weeks.

Jefferson was on the field for the light session on Monday, the latest ramp-up of his activity since he suffered the injury during the second practice of training camp on July 24. He took part in individual drills, but not full-team work.

Because Jefferson missed seven games with a more severe strain of his right hamstring during the 2023 season and considering his importance to the team, the Vikings have been extra cautious with his recovery. Coach Kevin O’Connell said he didn’t believe Jefferson would have to adjust his routine moving forward, however, as he takes part in “bits and pieces” of practices this week and next.

“He’s done such a good job with building his strength and doing the work with the medical team and the strength team that I think he feels like he’s pretty darn close and ready to go,” O’Connell said of the two-time All-Pro, who has the most receiving yards in NFL history through a player’s first five seasons.

The Vikings open the regular season on Sept. 8 at Chicago, and there’s never been any concern about Jefferson being back to full strength on the field for the Monday night showcase against the NFC North rival Bears. But the waiting is sometimes the hardest part.

“I want to be out here with the guys. I want to be playing football. I want to be in the mix,” Jefferson said after practice. “It’s definitely tough at times mentally, but every day you’ve just got to focus on the things that you focus on and think about getting to the next stage.”

The Vikings will be without Jefferson’s primary sidekick, Jordan Addison, for their first three games while he serves a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Their third receiver, Jalen Nailor, recently jammed his hand and is on a week-to-week timetable to return, O’Connell said. He declined to address whether surgery was being considered for Nailor.

“We’re figuring out the best plan of action for return to play will be, but I do feel good about where we’re at with that,” O’Connell said.

The upside to Jefferson’s absence has been increased opportunities for the rest of the wide receivers vying for spots, with one more opened by the season-ending left knee injury that occurred for Rondale Moore in the team’s first exhibition game.

Rookie Tai Felton, the third-round draft pick out of Maryland who’s also on track for a kickoff returner role, has a roster spot secured. Beyond him, the pool of competitors include fourth-year player Tim Jones, past practice squad members Lucky Jackson, Jeshaun Jones and Thayer Thomas and undrafted rookies Myles Price and Silas Bolden.

“There’s obviously a lot of guys who wouldn’t be here if we didn’t see the talent, the skill sets, the ability,” O’Connell said. “I do feel good about the depth.”

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