Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson made his long-awaited return on Sunday, but it lasted less than a half when he suffered a new injury against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jefferson left Sunday’s game in the second quarter with what the team described as a chest injury. While initially questionable, he was ruled out at halftime, and the Vikings announced he was being taken to a local hospital as a precaution.
Justin Jefferson is being transported to a local hospital out of precaution. https://t.co/eL69zI4mIv
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 10, 2023
Jefferson suffered the injury on a big hit from Raiders safety Marcus Epps. The star wide receiver took a huge hit to the body while trying to reel in a pass.
Justin Jefferson's filthy route-running is back…but he took a huge shot and is in the medical tent pic.twitter.com/dJqqHTUMEx
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) December 10, 2023
Entering Sunday, Jefferson had not played since Week 5 due to a lingering hamstring injury. The Vikings were very cautious in bringing him back, wanting to avoid re-injury despite the obvious need to get him back as soon as possible. Ultimately, they just ran into some bad fortune, since this new injury appears completely unrelated to the hamstring.
Jefferson had two catches for 27 yards Sunday before he was forced out of the game.
