Minnesota Vikings Lose Star Receiver Justin Jefferson for Dolphins Game

Injury Blow for Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings will be without star receiver Justin Jefferson for their upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed on Friday that Jefferson has been ruled out due to a sprained left ankle.

Jefferson did not practice this week after picking up the injury. He hurt his ankle during the first quarter of the Vikings' victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3. O'Connell described the injury as relatively mild and noted that Jefferson is already feeling better.

Hopes for a Week 5 Return

There is hope that Jefferson will not be out for long. O'Connell did not rule him out for the Week 5 game against the New Orleans Saints. The coach wants to see how he recovers over the next few days.

"He's going to get treatment throughout the next couple days and the goal is try to get him back out there practicing next week," O'Connell said. The game in Louisiana is special for Jefferson, who was born in St. Rose, Louisiana, and played college football at LSU.

Jefferson has 13 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns in three games this season. He had previously played 39 consecutive games before this setback.

Replacing Jefferson's Production

With Jefferson out, Jordan Addison will step up as the main target for the Vikings. Addison performed well after Jefferson went down in Week 3, catching five passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.

The Vikings will use a three receiver setup featuring Addison, Jauan Jennings, and either Myles Price or Tai Felton.

The team was hoping for a strong season after signing quarterback Kyler Murray. However, Murray and Jefferson have only played 18 snaps together this season. This is due to Murray suffering a concussion in Week 1 and now Jefferson's ankle injury.