Vikings get 'good news' on star WR Justin Jefferson's ankle injury

Emily Leiker, The Minnesota Star Tribune on Sep 28, 2026

Published in Football

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MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings got “good news” on star wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s ankle injury, coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday.

Jefferson, who suffered an ankle sprain in Sunday’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, avoided a long-term injury, O’Connell said. The team will see how Jefferson progresses the rest of the week.

“Very encouraged to get that news today,” O’Connell said.

Jefferson played just seven snaps before his exit against the Buccaneers. He was hurt on a third-and-19 screen pass on the Vikings’ opening drive that set up a 54-yard field goal by Will Reichard.

Jefferson had one other catch prior to that; his day ended with two catches for 32 yards.

Jefferson was initially ruled questionable to return after having both ankles taped in the blue medical tent on the sideline. He was taken to the locker room late in the second quarter and was ruled out early in the third.

O’Connell said after the win that Jefferson was “trying like crazy” to return to the game and was close “a couple times.” The Vikings decided to err on the side of caution.

Jefferson’s exit left quarterback Kyler Murray without his No. 1 receiver in his first game back since suffering a concussion in the season opener against the Green Bay Packers.

Wide receiver Jordan Addison ended the day as the Vikings’ leading receiver with five catches on nine targets for 90 yards and a touchdown. Running back Aaron Jones Sr. added five catches for 34 yards.

“A lot of our offense goes through 18,” Murray said after the game, referring to Jefferson. “When he goes down, gotta make adjustments on the fly. Obviously it wasn’t perfect by any means. I think everybody offensively knows we gotta be better.”

Josh Oliver to undergo surgery for torn bicep

Tight end Josh Oliver tore his bicep in Sunday’s game and will undergo surgery, O’Connell said.

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