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Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson has gained 5,396 yards on 360 catches since he entered the league in 2020. That's the second-most receiving yards over the period, behind only perennial All-Pro Tyreek Hill. Jefferson was drafted in the early first round, often as the No. 1 pick, in almost all fantasy leagues.
It's too bad that he was injured in early October. Before he went down, he was the WR1 in through the first four games of the season. There was optimism that he would be back last week, but he ended up resting another week.
Will Justin Jefferson be back soon? When is he coming back to action? What is his fantasy football outlook when he returns? Let's dive in.
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Justin Jefferson's Latest Injury Update - November 21
Justin Jefferson hurt his hamstring in Week 5. Hamstring injuries are trifling. They have a tendency to linger. That's been the case so far. Jefferson began practicing on November 8, meaning he would have to join the active roster by November 29. But they did not ultimately activate Jefferson for their Week 11 game, a loss to the Broncos on Sunday Night Football.
Their next game is on November 27 against the Chicago Bears. The team and the player have still not decided if he will play, and they are in no hurry to rush him back.
Coach O'Connell said:
"This is a player that means a ton to our organization, both for this home stretch to try to solidify our positioning in the playoffs and still try to compete in the division as much as we possibly can, but Justin means a lot more than just these five or six games, as critical as they are. His long-term career here is the priority."
Jefferson himself has said, "I'm the main person that's going to make the decision," and he's going to make the decision based on having the full confidence that he can play at 100%.
Justin Jefferson Injury Update for Fantasy Football
The Vikings (6-5) have a bye in Week 13, meaning that if Jefferson does not return in Week 12, he can only (and must) return in Week 14 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Coach O'Connell has mentioned the impact of the bye in discussing his thinking around Jefferson. He said, "It's one of those things that knowing you have the bye, and knowing there are five critical [games] to come after that bye, we do have to be smart."
Minnesota currently occupies the No. 7 spot in the NFC playoff picture. Every game is crucial, but their Week 12 matchup is against a 3-8 Chicago Bears team. The Vikings are 3.5-point favorites. They should be expected to win even if Jefferson does not play.
The thinking is that maybe the Vikings will rest Jefferson yet another week to make sure he does not suffer another setback before they gear up for a tough final five-game stretch that includes the Cincinnati Bengals and four games against divisional rivals, the Lions (twice in the final three weeks) and the Packers.
Justin Jefferson Fantasy Football Outlook
Justin Jefferson is one of the best fantasy football stars at any position when healthy. It doesn't matter who he's matched up against. He'll beat almost every cornerback in the game. The few who can stick with him can't stick with him 100% of the time. Sure, he'll have a down game here and there, but he's more likely to outscore anyone else you are considering starting in his place.
T.J. Hockenson has been dominating targets while Jefferson has been out. Hockenson has had 55 passes thrown his way in the past five games. Rookie Jordan Addison has also stepped up, and K.J. Osborn is a worthy flex in deep leagues.
Continue to monitor Justin Jefferson's injury updates, and start him when he returns.
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