Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Vikings HC discusses Justin Jefferson's availability for Week 1 after injury

By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 5:15 PM ET

On Friday, the Minnesota Vikings announced a concerning training-camp injury for Justin Jefferson, which will sideline the star wide receiver during the preseason.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell told the media that Jefferson felt discomfort on Thursday. Minnesota discovered he has a mild left hamstring strain.

The Vikings plan to be cautious with the four-time Pro Bowl receiver during the preseason. However, O'Connell believes there is no doubt that Jefferson will play the Chicago Bears in Week 1 at Soldier Field.

"The best thing is, we avoided anything serious," O'Connell said via Alec Lewis of The Athletic. "I see no concerns in regards to the opener (against Chicago). I have no worry at all that we’ll be able to get Justin ready to go for the regular season.”

Kevin O'Connell on Justin Jefferson: "The best thing is, we avoided anything serious. I see no concerns in regards to the opener (against Chicago). I have no worry at all that we’ll be able to get Justin ready to go for the regular season.”
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) July 25, 2025

Jefferson, 26, suffered a right hamstring injury in Week 5 of the 2023 campaign, causing him to miss seven games.

The All-Pro wideout is coming off a season where he recorded 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Vikings are doing the right thing by choosing to be cautious in the preseason with their best player. Minnesota needs its No. 1 receiver available for first-year starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the regular season.

Jefferson has had big games against the Bears during his time in the league, including four games (out of eight appearances) with 100+ receiving yards. He has 50 receptions for 685 yards and three touchdowns against Chicago since he was taken by the Vikings in the first round of the 2020 draft.

Jordan Sigler

Jordan Sigler is a sports writer with a decade of experience as a journalist, including his time as a breaking news/day cops reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. His sports coverage across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, and college football world has also been featured at ChiCitySports, Gridiron Heroics, Pro Football Network, and Athlon Sports. Based in Austin, Texas, Jordan graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas Tech University in 2014

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