Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images. Pictured: Justin Jefferson
Minnesota Vikings leader receiver Justin Jefferson left Friday’s practice with trainers after suffering an apparent shoulder injury.
According to reporters on the scene, Jefferson was targeted often while running through late-game situations. On his third consecutive target, Jefferson was tackled by teammate Bashaud Breeland. Jefferson landed awkwardly on his shoulder and walked off without moving his arm.
Here is a video of the play:
VIDEO:
Justin Jefferson lands hard on his left shoulder and leaves training camp practice for the #Vikings @kare11 #kare11sports pic.twitter.com/eLESOiD0EX
— Andy Mac (@AndyMacSports) August 6, 2021
After setting a record for receiving yards by a rookie last season, expectations were sky-high for Jefferson entering his second season. The way Jefferson reacts after the play, the initial fear will be clavicle/collarbone related. Any sort of extended absence would be a huge loss for the Vikings.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the initial diagnosis is a sprained AC joint and is considered “nothing serious.”
In total, Jefferson caught 88 of 125 targets last season for 1400 yards and 7 touchdowns.
The Action Network’s Sean Koerner ranks Jefferson as WR7 and No. 32 overall. Chris Raybon is even higher on him, putting him at WR2 and No. 29 overall.
If Jefferson’s injury costs him time, more pressure will be put on Adam Thielen in the offense. Outside of those two, Kirk Cousins’ options on the current depth chart include Dede Westbrook, Chad Beebe, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Blake Proehl and K.J. Osborn. Irv Smith Jr. and Tyler Conklin are the top two tight ends.
For a short time, the Vikings were the betting favorites to win the NFC North. That changed when Aaron Rodgers returned. Minnesota is currently +250 to win the NFC North at DraftKings and +5000 to win the Super Bowl. The Vikings’ win total is set at 9 with the over juiced to -115.
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