The Vikings of Minnesota adopted a cautious approach during the training camp after the star receiver Justin Jefferson underwent a minor strain of the hamstrings last Thursday during training. The injury prevented Jefferson from team exercises, but the organization insists that there is “no problem” of its availability for the opening of the season against the Bears in Chicago.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell provided several updatesStressing that the injury is not serious and that the team will manage it carefully.
“Rehabilitation is going very well,” said O’Connell, adding that Jefferson “is already progressing” and remains fully committed with his teammates.
Even if he is not on the ground for exercises or team sessions, the receiver remained active with the offensive, sometimes calling games and has always been vocal in training.
With more than a month remaining before the start of the regular season, the Vikings choose not to take unnecessary risks. O’Connell stressed the importance that Jefferson is in great shape for the opener, Especially since the receiver generally plays more than 70 snaps per game.
“The guy plays more than 70 snaps per week, and what we ask him to do is simply remarkable, but he is able to do so regularly,” said the coach, according to NBC Sports. “As I said, zero is worried about the opening, but there is a lot of time by then. What it looks like, we are going to be intelligent, but at the same time, he wants to come back there.”
Even if he did not participate in the action on the field, the camp feels the impact of Jefferson’s presence. Fans scream his name, and even if he has not yet known, he continues to be visible and part of everything. O’Connell commented Jefferson’s mentality, saying that he was “totally and completely present every day”.
It should be noted that this injury is not linked to the tension of the right hamstrings which prevented Jefferson for seven games in 2023. However, because the injuries to soft tissue in the players of competence are unpredictable, the coach staff are careful. The team is convinced that their cautious approach will create an appropriate moment to assess their functionality.
Minnesota is expected to open its season on Monday September 8 against the Bears in Chicago. While Jefferson strives to build chemistry with the quarter JJ McCarthy, each representative counts – but never to the detriment of long -term health.
