Justin Jefferson’s highly-anticipated return from his hamstring injury ended in scary fashion as he was transported to the hospital after sustaining a chest injury. Early reports indicate he was taken for precautionary reasons.
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year took a brutal hit from Marcus Epps as he rose high to haul in a 15-yards pass over the middle of the field.
Jefferson was in visible pain before heading to the sideline straight into the blue medical tent. He eventually walked into the locker room and subsequently ruled out.
Jefferson had been out since Week 5 after suffering a hamstring injury against the Kansas City Chiefs. He caught 36 passes for 571 yards and three touchdowns through his first four-plus games, and was off to a strong start. He caught two of the three passes thrown his way for 27 yards.
Minnesota was counting on Jefferson to help their unlikely push toward the playoffs. After starting 1-4, they rattled off five straight without their star wideout or Kirk Cousins, who they lost for the season with an Achilles injury. The Vikings entered Sunday in possession of the second Wild Card spot despite dropping their last two games heading into the bye.
