Justin Jefferson returned to the practice field for the Minnesota Vikings on Monday after nursing a left hamstring strain suffered early in training camp.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell promised reporters before practice that the star wide receiver would begin to “take part in bits and pieces” of practice to ramp up from his injury.
“He’s done such a good job with building his strength and doing the work with the medical team and the strength team that I think he feels like he’s pretty darn close and ready to go,” O’Connell said.
Jefferson worked on individual drills only, no team work, according to reporters on the scene.
“It feels great to get back into the normal routine,” Jefferson said afterward, per the Star Tribune. “I’ve been itching for it. Just glad that I’m feeling great again and back to being with the guys.”
Jefferson said the season opener Sept. 8 at the Chicago Bears is “for sure the target” for his return. That should allow Minnesota fans to breathe a sigh of relief that his current hamstring issue is not nearly as severe as his right hamstring tear from 2023, which caused him to miss seven games.
The 2022 Offensive Player of the Year, Jefferson has recorded more receiving yards (7,432) than any other player through five NFL seasons. He already ranks fourth in franchise history in receiving yards and first in receiving yards per game (96.5), which also ranks first in NFL history.
–Field Level Media
