Justin Jefferson, the star wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, suffered a chest injury during the fourth quarter of the Week 14 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He was taken to the hospital for further evaluation and did not return to the game. The Vikings lost 27-24 in a close contest that had playoff implications for both teams.
Justin Jeffersonâs Injury
Jefferson was having a stellar game, catching seven passes for 104 yards and a touchdown, before he went down with the injury. He was hit hard by Raiders safety Johnathan Abram after making a catch near the sideline. He stayed on the ground for a few minutes, clutching his chest, before being carted off the field.
The Vikings announced that Jefferson had a chest injury and was taken to a nearby hospital for precautionary reasons. They did not provide any further details on the severity or nature of the injury.
Latest Updates on Jeffersonâs Condition
According to NFL Networkâs Ian Rapoport, Jefferson is considered âday-to-dayâ for Week 15 and his injury is not considered serious. He underwent X-rays and a CT scan at the hospital, which came back negative. He was released from the hospital on Monday and is expected to join the team for practice later this week.
This is encouraging news for the Vikings and their fans, as Jefferson is one of the best receivers in the league and a key part of their offense. He has 1,330 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on the season, ranking second and fourth in the NFL, respectively.
However, his status for the next game is still uncertain, as he will have to pass the concussion protocol and clear any other medical hurdles before being cleared to play. This could have a significant impact on fantasy football owners who rely on Jefferson as a top-tier option at the position.
Other NFL Injuries in Week 14
Jefferson was not the only player who suffered an injury in Week 14, as several other notable names also left their games with various ailments. Some of the most notable ones are:
- Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders: Jacobs left the game against the Vikings with an ankle injury and did not return. He is expected to miss some time, which could open up more opportunities for backup Kenyan Drake.
- Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers: Herbert injured his hand after being hit by Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter. He stayed in the game and threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns, but he was seen wearing a protective glove on his right hand after the game. He is expected to play in Week 15, but his injury could affect his accuracy and grip.
- C.J. Stroud, QB, Browns: Stroud, who was making his first NFL start in place of the COVID-19 positive Baker Mayfield, suffered a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter of the game against the Ravens. He was replaced by Nick Mullens, who led the Browns to a 24-22 win. Stroudâs status for Week 15 is unclear, as the Browns are still dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak that has affected several players and coaches.
These injuries could have a significant impact on the teams and players involved, as they are either fighting for a playoff spot or trying to improve their seeding. Fantasy football owners should also keep an eye on the injury reports and updates throughout the week, as they could affect their lineup decisions and waiver wire pickups.
Vikingsâ Upcoming Games and Playoff Chances
The Vikings are currently 6-7 and in the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC. However, they have a tough schedule ahead, as they face the Bears, Rams, Packers, and Bears again in their final four games. They will need to win at least two or three of those games to secure a postseason berth, and they will also need some help from other teams.
The injury to Jefferson could be a major blow to their chances, as he is their best offensive weapon and a mismatch for most defenses. If he misses any time, the Vikings will have to rely more on running back Dalvin Cook, who is also dealing with a shoulder injury, and other receivers like Adam Thielen, who is recovering from a high ankle sprain, and K.J. Osborn, who had a career-high 119 yards and a touchdown in Week 14.
The Vikings will also need their defense to step up, as they have allowed an average of 28.3 points per game, ranking 27th in the league. They have been especially vulnerable against the pass, allowing 263.9 passing yards per game, ranking 25th in the league. They will face some of the best quarterbacks in the league in the next four weeks, such as Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers, and Justin Fields.
The Vikings have shown resilience and grit throughout the season, as they have played in 12 games decided by eight points or less, winning six and losing six. They will need to continue to fight and overcome adversity, as they hope to make the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
