Earlier this week, the Minnesota Vikings placed superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury, keeping him out of action for at least the next four games.
It’s a tough development for a struggling Minnesota team that enters Week 6 with a disappointing 1-4 record. Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings have already matched last year’s loss total, and their chances of getting back into the playoff race without Jefferson just feel awfully slim.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported on Thursday that Jefferson had a fast jog through the club’s locker room, adding that the fourth-year receiver “Looked pretty spry.”
Little did Seifert know that his update on Jefferson would lead to a plethora of fans suggesting that the Vikings opted to place their franchise player on the IR for the purpose of tanking:
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Last year, Jefferson led the NFL in both receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809). Incredibly, he was actually on pace to post better numbers before his injury, recording 36 catches for 571 yards and three touchdowns.
Minnesota’s leading pass-catcher after Jefferson is tight end T.J. Hockenson, who has 30 catches for 254 yards and two touchdowns. Without Jefferson, Minnesota will desperately need the likes of Hockenson, K.J. Osborn, rookie Jordan Addison and Alexander Mattison to elevate their games.
The Vikings will try to get to improve to 2-4 when they visit the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon.
