EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings prioritize the well-being of their players, which is why they're playing it extra safe with phenom receiver Justin Jefferson.
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell spoke to Twin Cities media members prior to Friday's training camp practice session and told them Jefferson is expected to miss a little bit of practice time with what O'Connell described as a "very minor left hamstring strain."
"We're going to be very cautious with it," O'Connell said. "We're going to hold him out for a bit and then re-evaluate him next week, when we come back later in the week. And the best thing is, we avoided anything serious.
"I see no concerns in regards to the [season] opener," he added. "And I have no worry at all that we'll be able to get Justin ready to go for the regular season."
Jefferson started Thursday's practice but "shut it down early" after experiencing what he described as "tightness" in his legs.
"With the past recent injuries and the stuff I went through before, just taking precaution and understanding that it's the second day of camp, not the 30th," he told reporters Thursday. "Just making sure that I'm fully healthy and I'm good to go, especially when the season starts."
O'Connell credited Jefferson for immediately disclosing the discomfort to training staff, which allowed them to evaluate and diagnose the minor injury.
Jefferson missed seven games during the 2023 season with a right hamstring injury and has emphasized multiple times the importance of being cautious.
"Jets" has been praised by coaches and teammates alike for his inspiring work ethic, and there's no doubt that will continue on his way back to the grass.
"Justin did a great job this offseason, from his participation in the program, some of the work the guys were doing leading into camp," O'Connell said. "So we know Justin is at this point, his career is going to be ready to roll, and it's as much his presence and his juice and energy every single day, regardless of his participation level.
"Clearly, I would want him out there for every rep if I could," O'Connell added. " But it's best that we're smart, and we've got some of the best in the league managing this, and Justin's got full confidence in that."
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