The Minnesota Vikings are still hoping to welcome back Justin Jefferson in time for a Week 5 homecoming against the New Orleans Saints. Jefferson missed last week's win over the Miami Dolphins with an ankle injury, but the star wide receiver could still return for a trip to the Big Easy. The Vikings officially listed him as questionable for Sunday's game on Friday's injury report.
Fellow wideout Jordan Addison is also questionable with a hamstring injury. Additionally, Minnesota listed center Michael Jurgens, offensive tackle Brian O’Neill, and tight end Ben Yurosek as questionable while ruling out offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw and cornerback Chuck Demmings. Kyler Murray could play alongside his top targets this weekend.
Jefferson and Addison were both limited practice participants on Thursday and Friday. Despite a 4-0 start, the Vikings have tallied the NFL's second-fewest yards per game (262.8) after the 0-4 Tennessee Titans. They scored exclusively on field goals in Sunday's 15-10 win without Jefferson.
Murray connected with wide receivers on just eight of his 27 completions. Hockenson helped fill the massive Jefferson void by catching all 13 targets for 119 yards, but the Vikings have since signed fellow LSU alum Odell Beckham Jr. to their practice squad. The Vikings should still eagerly await Jefferson's return.
The two-time All-Pro opened the season with 147 yards and two touchdowns in two games, then caught two passes in Week 3 before leaving early. Minnesota has ground out low-scoring victories after opening the season with a 39-22 win over the Green Bay Packers, but Kevin O'Connell's squad may need more points to keep up with a Saints offense averaging 367 yards per game behind second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. Although they're also dealing with an injury to their star receiver, Saints head coach Kellen Moore indicated Friday that a foot issue won't sideline Chris Olave.
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