Kevin O'Connell's comments on Justin Jefferson's return from injury praise Jordan Addison while raising more questions than answers

Justin Jefferson's return from injury remains unclear

In the above video, it's clear that Jefferson is moving very well. However, soft tissue injuries are far from certain when it comes to recovery time. Jefferson missed seven games in 2023 with his hamstring injury, and it's not a surprise that a conservative training staff is holding him back.

When head coach Kevin O'Connell spoke about Jefferson's potential return, it wasn't exactly clear about when he will start practicing again.

"He's definitely going to hopefully start doing more and more. I can't say what that looks like from a practice standpoint yet, but I've been really proud of Justin, both his engagement in the meeting rooms and you guys see him every day on the practice field, and what he's doing that people aren't seeing him working to get back. I think he's also making himself stronger and ready to sustain what very few players do in this league, which is essentially play every single snap for the better part of the whole season. So, I think he's in a good spot. Hope to get him, you know, back, getting reps with that first unit as soon as possible. And that's kind of the plan right now."

Not exactly the most insightful words from O'Connell. He kept a lot open ended when it comes to the potential return of Jefferson, which isn't much of a surprise. O'Connell loves to give the political answer, especially with a situation as fluid as a soft tissue injury.

There is a positive sign when it comes to Jefferson's absence from practice: it's given Jordan Addison a chance to really step up.

"But I will say, and I know you guys are doing a great job highlighting it, but the camp Jordan Addison has had has been spectacular. And he had two great days against some pretty good cover players, one of which Carlton Davis, we know well, and that was competitive. And JA is taking the next step on the grass for sure, and it's been great to see."

Jefferson is still likely on track to return in week one, but as the days continue to stack, it's starting to get concerning that it hasn't happened yet.