Justin Jefferson‘s return to the lineup lasted just 13 plays before the Minnesota Vikings receiver exited with a chest injury in the 3-0 win over Las Vegas. But head coach Kevin O’Connell is optimistic the wideout will be available in Week 15.
O’Connell said Monday that Jefferson is day-to-day with the chest injury and has a “good chance” to play Saturday in Cincinnati in a game airing at 1 p.m. ET on NFL Network and streaming on NFL+.
Jefferson made his return to action on Sunday after a hamstring injury had sidelined him for seven games earlier this season. He managed to catch two passes on three attempts, totaling 27 yards. The star wideout had sustained the injury after receiving a hard hit on a 15-yard catch.
Jefferson was clearly in pain after taking the shot and was transferred to a local hospital out of precaution. He was able to travel home with the team after the game. With the 7-6 Vikings battling for their playoff lives, Jefferson having a chance to play Saturday would be a big boon.
The crucial query is who could potentially be passing him the ball.
The Vikings benched Josh Dobbs in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win, turning to veteran Nick Mullens. Dobbs completed 10 of 23 passes for 63 yards and had a host of balls dropped by targets. Mullens went 9 of 13 for 83 yards, including leading the game-winning field-goal drive.
On Monday, O’Connell stated that the team is deliberating on who will be the starting quarterback and an announcement will be made later in the week.
