Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has set expectations for how much we can expect to see of rookie wide receiver Justin Jefferson in his return to action.
The talented wide receiver has been sidelined since Week 6 with a lingering ankle injury, but O’Connell has made it clear that the team is eager to get him back on the field.
“We’re going to be smart with him,” O’Connell said. “We’re not going to throw him out there for a full game or a full complement of snaps. We’re going to be smart and we’re going to get him back into the flow of things.”
The Vikings have been without their top two wide receivers for much of the season, as Adam Thielen has been dealing with a hamstring injury since Week 7. Jefferson’s return to the lineup could provide a much-needed boost to the offense.
When asked about the “volume of snaps” that Jefferson will be able to handle in his return, O’Connell was honest and realistic.
“I think it’s going to be a case-by-case basis,” he said. “I don’t think it’s going to be a situation where he’s out there for every snap. We’re going to be smart with him and we’re going to make sure he’s ready to go when it’s time.”
The Vikings have been relying heavily on their running game in recent weeks, and Jefferson’s return could provide a much-needed spark to the passing attack. His presence on the field will give quarterback Kirk Cousins another weapon to work with, and the team is hoping that Jefferson can make an immediate impact.
Jefferson has been a key contributor for the Vikings this season, catching 33 passes for 544 yards and four touchdowns in his first six games. His return to the lineup could be a major boost for the team as they make a push for the playoffs.
The Vikings have been playing well in recent weeks, and the addition of Jefferson to the lineup could give them the edge they need to make a deep playoff run. O’Connell is confident that the rookie wide receiver will be able to make an immediate impact when he returns to action.
“We’re going to get him back out there and get him involved,” O’Connell said. “We’re going to be smart with him and make sure he’s ready to go when it’s time.”
The Vikings are hoping that Justin Jefferson can make an immediate impact when he returns to the lineup. His presence on the field will give the team another weapon to work with, and the team is confident that he will be able to make an immediate impact. With the playoffs just around the corner, the Vikings are hoping that Jefferson can provide the spark they need to make a deep run.