Mike Zimmer: Justin Jefferson will not be sidelined for long
Earlier in the week, Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson went down with a shoulder injury in practice. It was initially reported that Jefferson sprained the AC joint in his shoulder. Luckily for Minnesota, Jefferson does not appear to be out for long.
Jefferson should return quickly
When a young, star wide receiver goes down to injury, everyone sits back and holds their breath. The Vikings appears to have caught a big break. Jefferson appears to be day-to-day in his recovery, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer echoed Rapoport, saying that Jefferson would not be out for too long.
“He’ll be back quick,” Zimmer said. “I’m just taking care of him. I told him not to come to the stadium the other day. Everything’s good.”
Jefferson’s health is vital for the Vikings
In his final season at LSU, Jefferson erupted for 111 receptions, 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. He led the SEC and the entire nation in receptions as a junior as his 1,540 yards ranked third in the country in 2019.
His breakout junior campaign earned Jefferson a selection in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Vikings made him the fifth receiver off the board. The 22nd overall pick used to take Jefferson was the same draft pick that was acquired from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Stefon Diggs. With Jefferson needed to play a big role right away to help offset the loss of Diggs, he shattered any and all expectations.
Jefferson saw similar success as a rookie in the NFL last season. He came on strong late in the year and finished with 88 receptions for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns. He ranked fourth in the NFL in receiving yards and tied for the league lead with 23 receptions of 20 or more yards.
Following his huge rookie campaign, Jefferson was named to the NFL All-Rookie team in addition to being named a pro bowler. He was also a second-team All-Pro according to both the Associated Press and Pro Football Focus.
The Vikings finished last season with a 7-9 record, just missing out on a playoff berth. As Minnesota looks to return to the playoffs in 2021, Jefferson’s ability to perform at a high level will be key. Jefferson is part of an offensive core that includes running back Dalvin Cook and veteran receiver Adam Thielen.
Image courtesy of: Adam Bettcher via Getty Images.