NFL Rumors: Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson Expected to Return Week 12

One of the NFL's greatest players is nearing his comeback. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is progressing in his recovery from a hamstring injury and is getting close to a return, indicating the three-time Pro Bowler should be ready to come off injured reserve ahead of the Vikings' Week 12 matchup with the Chicago Bears.

#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson made good progress this week and is getting close, but Minnesota is not activating him from IR at the 4 pm deadline today, sources say. So, not quite yet.

Their next game is Monday night vs the #Bears on Nov 27. pic.twitter.com/cA9TEzVPOB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 18, 2023

Jefferson has been unavailable since injuring his hamstring in the Vikings' Week 5 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He had been his typically remarkable self through the early portion of the season, averaging 114.2 receiving yards per game through his first five starts.

After opening the season 1-4, the Vikings have miraculously turned their season around despite Jefferson's absence and the recent loss of starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. With five straight wins and a 6-4 record, the Vikings find themselves square in the playoff hunt.

Jefferson should go a long way toward lifting the Vikings offense closer to the NFL's elite. Backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs has presented virtually no dropoff from Cousins, leading the Vikings to 29 points per game over his first two appearances. With Jefferson in the fold, it's possible Dobbs could even prove to be an upgrade.