x
Breaking News
More () »

Justin Jefferson designated for return, Vikings add Tanner Morgan to practice squad

The All-Pro wide receiver has missed four games, but is now eligible to return to practice and within 21 days, the active roster.

EAGAN, Minn. — Mid-week means roster moves for the Minnesota Vikings and on Wednesday the team gave fans some news to celebrate.

Wideout Justin Jefferson has been designated to return to the team's active roster and is returning to practice after spending weeks on Injured Reserve with a hamstring issue. The designation means the Vikings have 21 days to return J.J. to the team's active roster. 

Jefferson appeared to pop his hamstring when he slipped on the turf at U.S. Bank Stadium during a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 8. He was placed on Injured reserve, meaning Jefferson would miss a minimum of four games. 

Ironically, the club went 4-0 and seemed to turn things around during the All-Pro's absence, partially due to the emergence of rookie Jordan Addison as a potential superstar. On Wednesday, Jefferson was on the field for the team's walkthrough, however, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell described the idea of the star receiver returning on Sunday as "aggressive." The next chance for him to return would be Nov. 19 when The Purple take on Denver on Sunday Night Football right here on NBC and KARE 11. 

Also Wednesday, the Vikings re-signed former Golden Gophers quarterback, Tanner Morgan, to the practice squad.

This is Morgan's second time on the practice squad in 2023. The six-year student-athlete at the University of Minnesota (2017-22) was released in October when the team signed veteran backup Sean Mannion.

Last May, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Morgan as an undrafted free agent but he was released after the preseason.

At the U of M, Morgan started 47 of the 51 games he played in and had a 33-14 record, which was the most wins in school history. He threw for 9,454 passing yards and 65 touchdowns, which ranks second all-time among Gophers quarterbacks.

"Morgan threw a touchdown pass in a school record 18-consecutive games from Dec. 26, 2018 to Nov. 13, 2020," according to the Vikings news release.

In two other roster moves Wednesday, the team officially placed running back Cam Akers on IR and released defensive lineman Sheldon Day.

WATCH MORE ON KARE 11+

Download the free KARE 11+ app for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and other smart TV platforms to watch more from KARE 11 anytime! The KARE 11+ app includes live streams of all of KARE 11's newscasts. You'll also find on-demand replays of newscasts; the latest from KARE 11 Investigates, Breaking the News and the Land of 10,000 Stories; exclusive programs like Verify and HeartThreads; and Minnesota sports talk from our partners at Locked On Minnesota. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out