EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings will be without star receiver Justin Jefferson for at least one more week.
The team confirmed Saturday that the All-Pro receiver will be out Sunday when the Vikings host the New Orleans Saints.
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year returned to practice this week, but the team has been cautious about his return, saying he won't play until he is 100% healed from the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs. This will be the fifth straight game Jefferson will miss as he continues his recovery.
"Hamstring is a difficult injury, just because it lingers," said Jefferson on Thursday. "It comes back from time to time if you don't put the right treatment into it. The guys and the rest of the coaching staff in this building know my worth on the field, and they want me 100%, (and) I do as well."
The Vikings have gone 4-0 in his absence, partially to do with the emergence of rookie receiver Jordan Addison, who had 22 catches for 285 and four touchdowns over the past four weeks. Tight end T.J. Hockenson and K.J. Osborn have also had increased roles with Jefferson on the sideline, however, both were listed as "questionable" in Friday's injury report.
The Vikings also elevated quarterback Sean Mannion Saturday to the active roster to be starter Joshua Dobbs' backup on Sunday.
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