Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell hinted Monday that wide receiver Justin Jefferson may miss more time with his lingering hamstring injury.

Jefferson was designated to return from injured reserve last week, but the Vikings did not play him Sunday against the Denver Broncos. O’Connell suggested the wide receiver was not guaranteed to return and that the team has to be “smart” about bringing him back.

As O’Connell notes, the Vikings have a bye week coming up in Week 13. The team could hold Jefferson out for another week, then give him an extra week to recover during the bye, before bringing him back for Week 14.

Jefferson suffered the injury in Week 5 and has not played since, with reports suggesting that he wants to make sure he has his full speed and endurance back before playing in a game. The best way to do that might be to simply hold him out for another week, as frustrating as that outcome may be.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Jrue Holiday proves importance to Celtics with key defensive play in Game 1 ECF win
Rams star to miss OTAs due to 'foot issue'
Caitlin Clark is first basketball player since Michael Jordan to land this deal
Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa reportedly makes physical change amid contract talks
Packers' Jordan Love focused on chemistry, not contract
Cubs moving veteran RHP to bullpen
Spurs reportedly high on NCAA Tournament champion guard
Insider shares major update on two-time All-Pro who remains a free agent
Former top QB recruit suing Florida HC, booster over near-$14M NIL deal
Jets HC Robert Saleh explains decision on OC Nathaniel Hackett
'Positionless' rules lead to a center-heavy NBA All-Defensive team
Jets' Aaron Rodgers addresses mental rust, RFK Jr. decision
Penguins sign young defenseman to three-year extension
Guardians place right-hander on injured list
Victor Wembanyama's latest honor puts another spotlight on his greatness
Lamar Jackson reportedly made significant physical change for 2024
Dolphins safety appears to take a shot at former DC
Ryan Leaf goes off on top NFL insider, accuses him of being a fraud
Report: TNT is still fighting to save its NBA rights
Lightning re-acquire defenseman from Predators

Want more Vikings news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.