Vikings open 21-day practice window for Justin Jefferson

The Minnesota Vikings opened the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the team announced Wednesday.

Despite the move, the Vikings aren’t rushing to get Jefferson back on the field, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Minnesota placed the 24-year-old on injured reserve in early October after he suffered a hamstring injury in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

“We’re going to do what’s best for Justin, and make sure when he does return, he can be the Justin Jefferson we all know and expect to see,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday, according to Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Considered one of the NFL’s best pass-catchers, Jefferson started the 2023 campaign off hot by hauling in 36 catches for 571 yards and three touchdowns.

The Vikings have resurrected their season over recent weeks. The club was 1-4 when it placed Jefferson on injured reserve and now sits at 5-4 following four straight victories.

Minnesota is rolling with quarterback Joshua Dobbs in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints. The journeyman signal-caller replaced Jaren Hall in last week’s contest after the rookie quarterback suffered a concussion. Dobbs, who the Vikings acquired five days prior to the game, threw for 158 yards and two touchdowns.