Vikings’ Justin Jefferson expected to play vs. Texans
As the Minnesota Vikings look to continue their hot start to the 2024 season in Week 3 against the Houston Texans, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson fully believes he will be on the field.
Asked Thursday whether he will play against the Texans, Jefferson said via ESPN:
“Oh yeah, for sure.”
Jefferson is coming off suffering a right quadriceps contusion that led him to exit the Week 2 win over the San Francisco 49ers. The injury occurred when he attempted to block 49ers linebacker Fred Warner during a run play.
The former Offensive Player of the Year award winner was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, which helps his case toward playing against the Texans.
“Just taking it day by day, just staying in the treatment room and working with those guys to make sure I’m feeling fantastic Sunday, ” Jefferson said.
The 25-year-old is the key cog to the Vikings’ passing game, posting eight catches for 192 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Before his injury, he had four receptions for 133 receiving yards and a touchdown.
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His presence provides a significant boost, but if he isn’t able to play, the Vikings will turn to Jalen Nailor to play a bigger role. He’s coming, posting three catches for 54 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Minnesota will also need offseason addition Aaron Jones to be a more prominent factor in the run game and as a receiving option. He posted 32 rushing yards on nine carries, along with five catches for 36 receiving yards against the 49ers.
