Justin Jefferson Sidelined for Dolphins Game With Sprained Left Ankle

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson will not play against the Miami Dolphins due to a sprained left ankle sustained in Week 3.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins according to coach Kevin O'Connell. The three-time Pro Bowler is recovering from a sprained left ankle sustained during the first quarter of a Week 3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jefferson did not participate in practice this week after the injury, which O'Connell described as relatively mild. Through three games this season, the receiver has recorded 13 receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns.

The Vikings are targeting a Week 5 return for Jefferson when the team travels to face the New Orleans Saints. O'Connell noted that the receiver is feeling better and will undergo treatment over the next several days with the intent to resume practicing next week. This absence interrupts a streak of 39 consecutive games played for the 2020 first-round pick, who previously missed seven games in 2023 due to a torn right hamstring.

With Jefferson unavailable, Jordan Addison is expected to serve as the primary target for quarterback Kyler Murray. Addison previously recorded five catches for 90 yards and a score following Jefferson's exit in Week 3. The Minnesota offense will also utilize Jauan Jennings alongside either Myles Price or Tai Felton in three-receiver sets. The team has seen limited production from its new quarterback-receiver duo, as Murray and Jefferson have logged only 18 snaps together this season due to Murray's Week 1 concussion and Jefferson's current ankle ailment.