The Minnesota Vikings are taking a cautious approach with Justin Jefferson as the star wide receiver works his way back from an ankle injury.
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Jefferson did not practice Wednesday ahead of Minnesota’s Week 4 matchup with the Miami Dolphins. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Vikings consider Jefferson day-to-day with the injury.
That designation comes just days after Jefferson left Minnesota’s 23-16 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He suffered the ankle injury during the opening drive and did not return after catching two passes for 32 yards.
The Vikings received encouraging news after further testing. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said Jefferson has an ankle sprain but avoided anything long-term.
Justin Jefferson injury update
Jefferson’s absence from Wednesday’s practice does not necessarily rule him out for Sunday. Minnesota still has several days to see how he responds before making a final decision on his status.
The timing is important for an undefeated Vikings team. Minnesota improved to 3-0 with the win over Tampa Bay and will return home to face a Dolphins team that enters Week 4 at 0-3.
Jefferson has been productive when healthy this season. Through three games, he has 13 receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
His absence in Tampa Bay also showed how quickly Minnesota’s offense can lose one of its biggest weapons. Jefferson played only a handful of snaps before the ankle injury ended his afternoon.
The Vikings now have to balance the short-term goal of staying unbeaten with the need to make sure Jefferson is ready for the long season ahead.
For now, Jefferson is day-to-day and did not practice Wednesday. His participation over the next two days should provide a better indication of whether he can play against Miami.
The Vikings square off against the Dolphins at 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday on Fox.
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