Justin Jefferson's preparation for the 2025 season has encountered an interruption.
The four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is dealing with a "very mild" left hamstring strain, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Friday. Jefferson will be held out of practice and re-evaluated next week, per O'Connell.
Jefferson has experience with hamstring issues. He dealt with a right hamstring issue during the 2023 season that cost him seven games, but still managed to catch 68 passes for 1,074 yards in 10 contests.
Jefferson's place with the Vikings is perhaps more important than ever in 2025 when considering he'll be sharing the field with a second-year quarterback in J.J. McCarthy who is essentially a rookie after missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury. As one of the most productive receivers in football over the course of his career -- including five seasons with 1,000-plus yards and a league-best 1,809 yards in 2022 -- Jefferson's presence is crucial to the Vikings' chances of success with McCarthy under center.
It sounds as if Jefferson's Week 1 availability isn't in jeopardy, but given the nature and delicacy of hamstring injuries, Minnesota will understandably exercise caution when handling its superstar receiver's health as the 2025 season approaches.
