Fantasy football managers receive a clear message from Justin Jefferson regarding injuries.
Justin Jefferson is aware that fantasy football managers nationwide are eagerly anticipating his comeback to the field. The wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings doesn’t seem to care.
And this week on X, formerly Twitter, the All-Pro made it very evident.
Jefferson wrote on Tuesday, “My health is wayyy more important than you winning your fantasy games.” No matter how often you bombard me with [direct messages] discussing how I sold your team, it won’t matter. I’m not concerned.
Due to a hamstring injury sustained in Week 5, Jefferson has missed Minnesota’s last six games while on injured reserve. Before being benched, he caught 36 passes for 571 yards and three touchdowns.
Before the Minnesota Vikings’ game against the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 12, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Justin Jefferson of the team greets teammates. Jefferson’s hamstring injury has caused him to miss time.
Prior to the current season, the three-time Pro Bowler was drafted highly in many different fantasy leagues and was frequently chosen with the first overall pick. However, the 24-year-old’s injury isn’t going to get better just to appease fantasy managers.
On November 8, the Vikings began Jefferson’s 21-day practice window; however, he has missed the team’s last two games due to injury. The former first-round selection had previously declared that he would not return to action until he regained his full strength.
Jefferson told reporters last week, “It’s all about how I’m feeling and how strong the hamstring is.” “Hamstring injuries are challenging since they persist. If you don’t give it the proper care, it occasionally reappears. My value on the field is recognized by the guys and the entire coaching staff in this building. They genuinely want me. Just as I also do. I don’t want to risk hurting it once more by going out there 80 or 90 percent of the time.”
At a press conference on Wednesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell stated that while Jefferson’s availability for Week 12 is still uncertain, he is getting closer to playing than he has in previous weeks. He stated that the team will keep evaluating the circumstances. In order to prepare for their impending Week 13 bye week, Minnesota may decide to sit their star receiver for one more game.
The Vikings (6-5) play the Bears (3-8) this week before hosting the Raiders on December 10 following a bye week.
“This is a player that means a ton to our organization, both for this home stretch to try to solidify our positioning in the playoffs and still try to compete in the division as much as we possibly can, but Justin means a lot more than just these five or six games, as critical as they are,” O’Connell stated on Monday. “His long-term career here is the priority.”
The 2023 season was already looking like it would be a forgettable one in Minneapolis, with injuries to Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Demetrius Jefferson compounding the problem. However, the Vikings are considering the postseason after winning five of their last six games and receiving exceptional play from newly acquired “Passtronaut” quarterback Joshua Dobbs.
In his first three games wearing a Vikings uniform, Dobbs has scored at least one touchdown both passing and rushing. However, in a 21-20 Sunday Night Football loss in Denver last weekend, the 28-year-old also fumbled three times and threw an interception.
“Winning away from home is difficult in this league,” Dobbs remarked following the match. “And it’s even harder when you don’t take care of the football like you’re supposed to.”
The Vikings have another primetime opportunity to add to their win total on Monday night at 8:15 p.m. ET against the Bears, with or without Jefferson returning to the field.
