NFL Rumors: Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson Avoids Major Injury, Could Play in Week 15

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson broke hearts on Sunday afternoon by exiting early after a brutal collision in Week 14's 3-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Thankfully, his injury may not be as severe as initially feared. Speaking with the media on Monday, head coach Kevin O'Connell revealed that the three-time Pro Bowler is merely day-to-day with a chest injury and even has a chance to play in Week 15's matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Vikings’ HC Kevin O'Connell considers WR Justin Jefferson day-to-day with the chest injury he suffered Sunday vs. the Raiders and the team believes he has a chance to play Saturday vs. the Bengals.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 11, 2023

Jefferson took a huge (but clean) hit while making a 15-yard catch early in the second quarter. He absorbed a crunching blow in the upper ribs from Raiders safety Marcus Epps. Jefferson was promptly helped off the field and declared out. He visited a local hospital for further evaluation but was eventually declared well enough to travel home with the team.

Jefferson's injury briefly seemed like a cruel turn of events for Vikings fans. He was finally making his long-awaited return to action after a seven-game absence caused by a hamstring injury, and he played a mere 13 snaps before suffering what appeared at the time to be a serious injury.

Ultimately, Jefferson should be well enough to still make an impact on the remainder of the Vikings' season. Sitting on a 7-6 record, the Vikings are well-positioned in the Wildcard race but face a tough closing stretch of games that includes matchups with the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, and Green Bay Packers.

Jefferson will be the Vikings' best hope of pulling themselves out of an offensive tailspin: they've scored a minuscule 33 total points and turned the ball over seven times over their last three games. Even with two of his appearances cut short due to injury, Jefferson is averaging an impressive 99.7 receiving yards per game at an extremely efficient 10.7 yards per target this season.