Vikings practice, but key player is reportedly set to miss Bears game

 

Justin Jefferson continues his recover from a hamstring injury, but is reportedly set to miss the Vikings’ Monday Night Football game against the Chicago Bears.

The first Vikings injury report of the week says Jefferson was “limited” in practice on Thursday, but Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports – citing a “team source” – that he is not expected to play Monday.

“The Vikings are not going to push their best player to get back on the field despite the fact that they are in the playoff hunt,” Russini says.

Missing the Bears game will give Jefferson an extra two weeks to recover with the Vikings on a bye in Week 13.

Also limited in practice on Thursday was T.J. Hockenson, who has been battling a rib injury for a few weeks now. Cornerback Akayleb Evans, who missed the Broncos game, is also limited with a calf injury.

There’s better news for Brian Asamoah II, who is back to full practice after suffering an ankle injury, while Jaren Hall is back in full practice after suffering a concussion in the game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Justin Jefferson was a “major part” of practice for the Vikings on Wednesday, and the star wide receiver is “getting closer” to returning from a hamstring injury, coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters this week. But Jefferson is still expected to miss a seventh straight game when Minnesota hosts the Bears on Monday night, according to The Athletic.

The Vikings “are not going to push their best player to get back on the field” despite the fact that they are in the playoff hunt, Dianna Russini wrote Thursday. It helps, Russini noted, that Minnesota has a Week 13 bye approaching, meaning Jefferson could potentially return in Week 14 after an additional two weeks of rest. He’s been on injured reserve since Oct. 11.

One of the NFL’s most productive pass catchers when healthy, the 24-year-old Jefferson has repeatedly hinted about a return to the field, recently suggesting he’s excited to work with new quarterback Joshua Dobbs. But he’s also hinted he won’t rush his recovery, recently posting on social media that his health is more important than “your fantasy (football) games.”

If Jefferson doesn’t suit up against the Bears, the Vikings figure to lean on reserves K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell behind rookie Jordan Addison out wide, with tight end T.J. Hockenson remaining a top target. Minnesota (6-5) is one of several NFC teams well-positioned to make a run at a wild-card spot, but the Bears (3-8) are fresh off a close defeat to the Lions.

The Minnesota Vikings will be taking on the Chicago Bears in what should be a fun Week 12 matchup. However, Justin Jefferson’s injury status isn’t boding well for the team. It’s not doing him any favors with fantasy football managers after sounding off on them recently.

Jefferson is leaning towards not playing against the Bears on Monday Night Football, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The Vikings reportedly don’t want to rush him back despite being in the mix for the playoffs.

Justin Jefferson is not expected to play on Monday Night Football in Week 12 against the Bears because of his hamstring, per a team source. The Vikings are not going to push their best player to get back on the field despite the fact that they are in the playoff hunt. This all makes sense as it will give the receiver two more weeks of rest from game action, thanks to the Vikings being on their bye in Week 13.”

It’s a smart decision for the Vikings to rest Justin Jefferson in this game. Especially with his bye week right around the corner. For fantasy football managers, hopefully, you’re in the running for the playoffs, as the superstar receiver should be back by Week 14. That means you’ll have the best wide receiver in the league ready to go for the postseason.

Justin Jefferson has only played five games this season so far. He’s accumulated 571 receiving yards off of 36 receptions, and has hauled in three touchdowns. When he’s on the field, he’s the same superstar wide receiver as usual. It’s just that he’s struggled with injuries all season long. Hopefully, that turns around when he gets back to action in Week 14.