Tuesday afternoon update: Per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, there is “some concern” in the Vikings organization that Jefferson might not be ready to return at the end of the four-week IR period.
“I do not think this is going to be a season-ending thing,” Seifert added.
“The Justin Jefferson injury is significant enough that there’s some concern that even after four weeks on the IR he won’t be ready to come back..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 10, 2023
I don’t think this is season ending but the Vikings aren’t gonna rush him back at 70 or 80 percent” ~ @SeifertESPN #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/1rvt0f9lVs
Tuesday update: Justin Jefferson will not be playing in Week 6 or for the rest of October. The Vikings are placing him on injured reserve this week due to a strained right hamstring and he will have to miss at least four games, per Adam Schefter.
Update — Jefferson is a “long shot” to play in Week 6 vs. the Bears, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: As the #Vikings wait for the tests to come back for WR Justin Jefferson’s hamstring, caution for this coming week makes sense. pic.twitter.com/l8gsh6HBh7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 9, 2023
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is undergoing more tests on Monday after leaving the Vikings’ Week 5 game against the Chiefs with a hamstring injury. His timeline for return is unclear. Adam Schefter told the Pat McAfee Show, “When you leave the game and have a hamstring injury, there’s a chance you’re going to miss some time.”
“Justin Jefferson is going through more tests today..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 9, 2023
When you leave the game with a hamstring injury there’s a chance you’re gonna miss some time” ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/kABNuNvHuj
The Vikings face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Week 6.
Fantasy football implications for Week 6
If Jefferson is out or limited, we can expect to see a huge day from Jordan Addison against the Bears. He’ll be a must-start against a struggling Chicago defense, as will tight end TJ Hockenson, who currently has the second-most receiving yards for the season behind Jefferson.
KJ Osborn could see an uptick in snaps and targets, as could Brandon Powell, but I would be hesitant to start them in a fantasy league, even if Jefferson does remain out.