Vikings Receive Positive Update on Justin Jefferson's Hamstring Injury

"He's so important to our team... Justin wants to be out here, be around, wants to be present with his teammates, and not just the receiver group, the offense," O'Connell said. "When the two-minute didn't go well, it didn't go the way you want offensively, I heard him. Not in a negative way, but just, 'Hey, we know we've got to be better than that.' "

"That was my challenge to him. There are a lot of ways we can maximize this time as one of our captains. A guy that sets the tone in this building, and he is knocking it out of the park. Rehab's going really well, already progressing."

The Vikings' HC believes that this injury can be a blessing in disguise for the Vikings and Jefferson. It gives him the time to prepare himself mentally and engage with his teammates. The coaching staff wants to build their star for 17+ games and is glad to able to get out in front of things.

Jefferson was allowed to call a few short plays in the training following his injury. The WR wasn't pleased with the length of plays, and the quarterback probably couldn't understand some part of it. He is desperate to be out on the field with his teammates.

"I have zero worry about the opener, but there's a lot of time between now and then.... He wants to get back out there. He does not want to stay wearing what I wear to practice much longer," O'Connell said.

Jefferson was Kirk Cousins's primary weapon during his first few years in Minnesota. He played alongside Sam Darnold last year, and this year, he will have a new face throwing passes at him. He could have used this time to build chemistry with J.J. McCarthy and other new faces on the roster.

It has been an exceptional five seasons for Jefferson. He has broken and set multiple franchise and league records and has established himself among the top receivers in the league. He will be eyeing to reach new heights in the upcoming season.