Minnesota Vikings Get Disappointing Justin Jefferson Update

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson sat out practice Wednesday as the team sorts through an ankle sprain that could keep him off the field Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

Jefferson left the Vikings’ 23-16 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers early in the first quarter after the injury. He finished that game with two catches for 32 yards on limited snaps before being ruled out.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell has described the injury as an ankle sprain that is not considered long-term. Jefferson is listed as day-to-day, and the Vikings have said they will not rush him back until he can perform at his usual level.

The 3-0 Vikings host the 0-3 Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:05 p.m. CT. Miami has been outscored by 50 points through three games and lost running back De’Von Achane for the season to a torn ACL.

Jefferson entered the week with 13 receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns. He has been a central piece of Minnesota’s offense under Kyler Murray, who returned from a concussion in the Buccaneers game.

Analyst Judd Zulgad of Purple Daily said the early-season timing makes a Week 4 return less likely.

“Kevin O’Connell said it’s not a high ankle sprain,” Zulgad said. “He didn’t have the exact determination of what the ankle injury is, but he said he considers Justin to be day-to-day. So he doesn’t practice today.”

“There’s a chance he doesn’t practice all week and he still plays on Sunday. However, that being said, we’re only going into Game 4. I don’t think the Vikings are going to take any chances here… Odds Jefferson plays, I wouldn’t put them very high, at least right this second.”

Minnesota’s offense has been uneven after a 39-point outing in the season opener against Green Bay. Production dropped in a rainy Week 2 loss of momentum in Chicago and in the narrow win at Tampa Bay.

Zulgad still expects the Vikings to handle Miami even if Jefferson is held out.

“The Dolphins are terrible,” Zulgad said. “They are a -50 in point differential. Now, all of that being said, being in the Vikings’ favor, the Vikings’ offense so far has been anemic. A 39-point performance in the first game against the Packers and a come-from-behind win? But the last two games, including the rainy day in Chicago, the Vikings’ offense and against the Buccaneers with Kyler Murray starting were absolutely not good.”

“Do the Vikings want Justin Jefferson? Absolutely. Are they going to take any chances? I don’t think so. If they can’t beat the Dolphins even without Jefferson, that is going to be a big red flag, especially since this defense is playing so well.”

Cornerback Charles Demmings (hamstring) and punter Brett Thorson (right hamstring) also did not practice Wednesday. Running back Aaron Jones was limited with a rest designation, and linebacker Blake Cashman was limited with an elbow issue.

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who previously coached the Dolphins, said the matchup does not change his weekly routine.

“Every game’s important to me, and I really attack the week the same way each week, trying to put our players in the best position,” Flores said. “When I think about the Dolphins coming in, I’m actually kind of excited to see some people.”

“They’ve got a great support staff. I think it’s right up there with the top support staffs in the league… So it’ll be good to see them, great to see them, spend some time checking on them pregame.”

Imaging earlier in the week showed no structural damage beyond the sprain, according to O’Connell. Swelling remains the main hurdle as the team monitors Jefferson through Thursday and Friday practices.

Game status designations are expected Friday. Minnesota has not ruled Jefferson out, but Wednesday’s absence keeps his availability uncertain against a Dolphins team that has lost all three games by double digits.

Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson would likely see expanded roles if Jefferson cannot go. Addison had a 90-yard game recently, giving the offense another vertical option.

The Vikings’ defense has been the more consistent unit through three weeks. Holding a depleted Dolphins offense in check would ease the burden on an attack that has struggled to sustain drives outside of the season opener.