Minnesota Vikings All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson has officially been ruled out of the team’s training camp practice due to what the team called a “mild” left hamstring strain and is set to be re-evaluated sometime next week.
Considering the Vikings started training camp on Tuesday, this puts them in somewhat of a bind for several reasons. This takes away valuable reps for Jefferson to get more familiar with the team’s 2024 first-round pick at quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, who missed all of last season with a knee injury.
Justin Jefferson Ruled Out After Training Camp Injury
Although it’s unclear at this time what led to Jefferson’s injury, the news comes one day after he left the team’s practice early with “tightness” in his legs. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t seem worried about the injury’s impact on Jefferson’s ability to be ready for the team’s Week 1 game against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 8, expressing that they just wanted to be “cautious.”
“I see no concerns in regards to the (season) opener,” he added. “And I have no worry at all that we’ll be able to get Justin ready to go for the regular season.”
Jefferson and McCarthy’s Connection Will be Put on Hold
With Jefferson resting his legs, it means he and McCarthy will have to make up for more missed time.
Following Thursday’s practice, Jefferson expressed that he finds himself having to be patient with the former Michigan quarterback.
“You definitely have to have patience, you know he’s pretty much a rookie,” Jefferson said. “Last year pretty much doesn’t count for him. So, he’s still new to the scheme, new to coming out here and throwing it to these different receivers. Yes, you have to have that patience. You’re not really expecting him to have that same mindset as a veteran.”
Vikings Practices Off to Slow Start
Without Jefferson, McCarthy will have time to build stronger connections with players such as Jordan Addison, Rondale Moore, Jalen Nailor and star tight end T.J. Hockenson.
The Vikings’ first preseason game is Aug. 9 against the Houston Texans.
