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Vikings Share Concerning Justin Jefferson Injury Update on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 3:52 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings are getting ready to kick the tires on the J.J. McCarthy era, and he already got back on the field in the preseason opener. Justin Jefferson, however, wasn't out there.

The superstar wide receiver was always a long shot to suit up in the preseason. He sustained a mild hamstring injury, and the team was going to be extremely cautious with him. However, it seems like he's not making a lot of progress.

According to a report by Vikings insider Ben Goessling, not only will Jefferson miss the game vs. the New England Patriots, but he will be re-evaluated next week.

Justin Jefferson is still dealing with a hamstring injury

"Kevin O’Connell said Justin Jefferson won’t practice against the Patriots, but he’s continued to take part in walk-throughs. He’ll be re-evaluated next week," Goessling reported. "C.J. Ham and Andrew Van Ginkel won’t practice this week, and Harrison Smith is dealing with an illness."

Kevin O’Connell said Justin Jefferson won’t practice against the Patriots, but he’s continued to take part in walk-throughs. He’ll be re-evaluated next week.

C.J. Ham and Andrew Van Ginkel won’t practice this week, and Harrison Smith is dealing with an illness.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) August 13, 2025

Of course, this is a massive blow to Kevin O'Connell's offense, which is already missing Jordan Addison due to a suspension. Soft tissue injuries tend to linger and are tricky, and it's not the first time Jefferson has had to deal with this type of injury.

Just a couple of days ago, Jefferson shut down all concerns about this ailment, but he already missed a big chunk of the 2023 season with a similar issue:

“It’s coming along. Just every single day, just working on it. Working on the strength. Working on the mobility. I’m feeling pretty good right now. Just inching my way every single day."

Jefferson dominated again last season with 103 receptions for 1,533 receiving yards and a career-best-tying ten touchdowns, and he'll be instrumental in making McCarthy's life easier in his first full year in the league.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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