Vikings' Justin Jefferson to Miss Practice Due to Mild Hamstring Strain

Justin Jefferson, the standout wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, will not participate in practice following a diagnosis of a "mild hamstring strain," as confirmed by the team on Friday.

During Thursday's practice, Jefferson exited early, reporting "tightness" in his legs to the media. His cautious approach reflects a desire to prioritize his health early in training camp.

"Of course, with the past recent injuries and the stuff that I had gone through before, just taking precaution and just understanding that it's the second day of camp, not the 30th," Jefferson explained. "Just making sure that I'm fully healthy and I'm good to go, especially when the season starts."

Last season, Jefferson faced significant challenges, missing seven games due to a hamstring injury. In contrast, he played every game in the previous four seasons of his career.

At 26 years old, Jefferson is coming off an impressive fifth consecutive season with over 1,000 receiving yards and has earned First Team All-Pro honors twice. Over his five-year career, he has recorded 495 receptions for 7,432 yards and 40 touchdowns, placing him fourth in Vikings history for receiving yards.

This season, his role becomes even more critical as second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy steps into the starting position. Jefferson expressed confidence in McCarthy's abilities, stating, "I feel like just talking with J.J. and just being his locker mate, I feel like he definitely has his head on straight and he has that confidence to go out there and to perform every single week."

The Vikings plan to reevaluate Jefferson's hamstring next week. The team is set to kick off their season on Monday, September 8, against the Chicago Bears.