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Justin Jefferson scores spectacular touchdown vs. Detroit Lions

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax12/24/23BarkleyTruax
Justin Jefferson
Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Justin Jefferson returned to the Minnesota Vikings lineup in recent weeks from injury — and looked like his old self in Week 16’s matchup vs. the Detroit Lions — and let his presence be known with a spectacular touchdown catch in the first half.

With just over 30 seconds left before halftime, quarterback Nick Mullens hit Jefferson in the right side of the end zone for a nifty touchdown over a Detroit defender. Jefferson finished his first two quarters back on the field with four receptions for 85 yards and the aforementioned score.

Despite the highlight-reel score, the Lions lead Minnesota 17-14 at halftime. You can re-watch the insane grab below:

Coming into the matchup, Jefferson had played in two games since returning from injury and has racked up nine receptions for 111 yards — but had still been seeking his first touchdown reception since Oct. 1.

While his hamstring injury kept him out for multiple weeks and has hindered his numbers this season, Jefferson had been able to compile 45 receptions for 682 yards and three touchdowns coming into the matchup.

While Jefferson has been having a massive afternoon, Minnesota is down in numbers with fellow Vikings wideout Jordan Addison injuring his ankle in the first half and is out for the remainder of the game. The extent of his injury is unknown, but the Vikings were still able to score an opening second-half touchdown off the heels of Jefferson’s touchdown to take a 21-17 lead.

Vikings lose Jordan Addison for remainder of game

The Minnesota Vikingsare down a key pass catcher for the remainder of a Christmas Eve matchup with the Detroit Lions as rookie wideout Jordan Addison is out for the remainder of the game. The Vikings announced Addison would be out for the rest of the game at the start of the second half. 

Addison apparently injured his ankle late in the first half. He came off the field and went to the injury tent after quarterback Nick Mullens threw a deep interception. 

Addison seemed to injure himself by colliding with a teammate while chasing down safety Kerby Joseph following the interception.

Shortly after he was sidelined, the broadcast noted he was being listed as questionable to return with an ankle injury. He reportedly then walked to the locker room shortly before the game went to halftime, going ahead of the team.

When Addison left the game, he had a single catch for two yards.

On3’s Andrew Graham contributed to this report.