Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings
Wide Receiver #18
Minnesota Vikings
Wide Receiver #18
Justin Jefferson Justin Jefferson
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Justin Jefferson News RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Participates In Wednesday's Walkthrough

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quad) took part in the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday, and head coach Kevin O'Connell said the plan is to get him more work later in the week. Jefferson suffered what seems to be a minor quad injury in the win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, and it doesn't sound like he's at much risk of missing the Week 3 game against the Houston Texans. By no surprise, Jefferson is the WR4 on the season and is averaging 17.6 half-PPR points per game through two weeks. Quarterback Sam Darnold has looked like a solid start thus far, and there is no scenario where Jefferson should be benched in leagues of all shapes and sizes. As demonstrated by his 97-yard receiving touchdown last week, he's a threat to score from anywhere on the field.

Sep 18, 2024 2:47 PM EST


Justin Jefferson "Feeling Pretty Good" After Injury, Considered Day-To-Day

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) is officially labeled day-to-day, per head coach Kevin O'Connell. Jefferson picked up a minor injury in the team's 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday. The superstar wideout reeled in four of seven targets for 133 yards and scored in the team's win, including a 97-yard bomb delivered by quarterback Sam Darnold while standing in his own end zone. Fantasy managers should anticipate the 25-year-old to appear on the team's injury report ahead of their Week 3 home matchup against the Houston Texans. It does not appear that he is in danger of missing time, although this is a situation to monitor for the time being. If Jefferson were to sit out, Jalen Nailor would assuredly see a more prominent role, especially if Jordan Addison (ankle) were still sidelined.

Sep 16, 2024 2:28 PM EST



Justin Jefferson Already Plans To Play In Week 3

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) already has plans to play in Week 3 against the Houston Texans. "I'm not seriously injured," said Jefferson after the game. "So, it's just all about getting to the training room, making sure my body is right for next week, and I'll be ready to go next Sunday." The wideout suffered a quad contusion during Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers. However, he still finished with 133 yards and a touchdown off four catches. Fantasy managers should expect to see Jefferson referenced on the injury report heading into Week 3. But it sounds like the Vikings will have their superstar as Minnesota looks to remain undefeated after the matchup with Houston.

Sep 15, 2024 5:12 PM EST


Justin Jefferson Suffers Quad Contusion, Considered Day-To-Day

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quad) suffered a quad contusion on Sunday. According to head coach Kevin O'Connell, Jefferson will be day-to-day with the injury. Jefferson suffered the injury in a collision over the middle. He was on his way to a massive day with four receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Jefferson throughout the week. While he may be day-to-day, he did have to be helped to the locker room by team staff. Hopefully Jefferson can return to the field in Week 3.

Sep 15, 2024 4:31 PM EST


Justin Jefferson Questionable To Return Sunday

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quad) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers and is officially questionable to return. He had been quite productive prior to his departure, catching four passes for 133 yards and one touchdown. Jordan Addison (ankle) was inactive this week, so Minnesota's top receivers will be Jalen Nailor and Trent Sherfield until Jefferson can return. In the event that both Jefferson and Addison can't suit up next week, Nailor would be a solid WR3 option for fantasy purposes.

Sep 15, 2024 3:28 PM EST



Justin Jefferson Set To Have A Big Week 2

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson had a fairly quiet day salvaged by a second-quarter touchdown against the New York Giants in Week 1. A WR15 finish in half-point per reception leagues likely wasn't the result fantasy managers were hoping for, but anticipate more targets in his direction this week against a much tougher San Francisco team. The Vikings only passed the ball 11 times in the second half and only eight times in their last five drives as the team comfortably led the Giants. A reduction in efficiency for the Vikings offense is naturally expected this week as Jordan Addison (ankle) has been ruled out for this matchup. Expect either a closer matchup or roles being reversed and the Vikings being behind big against a talented 49ers team, which would necessitate more passing attempts and likely greater volume numbers for the best wide receiver on the roster without the WR2 playing. Despite the tough matchup, Jefferson is a must-start and WR6 in the latest RotoBaller rankings for Week 2.

Sep 13, 2024 9:16 PM EST


Justin Jefferson Unlikely To Play In Preseason Opener

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is unlikely to suit up for Saturday's preseason opener, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. This doesn't appear to be health related as Jefferson seems to be fine heading into the preseason. The Vikings simply don't want to risk an injury in an exhibition game. Sam Darnold is slated to start and should be followed by rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The absence of Jefferson won't give the quarterbacks a chance to get more in-game chemistry with their star wideout. However, the health of Jefferson is more important and there will be more preseason contests.

Aug 8, 2024 6:37 PM EST


Justin Jefferson Sitting Out Wednesday’s Practice

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is having a pre-planned rest day at training camp on Wednesday, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. Jefferson's absence from Wednesday's session is simply for maintenance purposes, so fantasy managers don't need to be alarmed. It remains to be seen, however, if Jefferson will take the field for the Aug. 10 preseason opener against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. The 25-year-old All-Pro wideout missed seven games a year ago due to a strained hamstring, but that didn't stop him from putting up over 1,000 yards in just 10 appearances during 2023. After notching the fourth-most yards per route run (2.95) over 364 routes run and sixth-most yards per target (10.7) across his 100 targets, Jefferson is a cinch selection in the middle of Round 1 of fantasy drafts as Minnesota's alpha target.

Jul 31, 2024 3:04 PM EST


Justin Jefferson Agrees To $140 Million Contract Extension

All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson has agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension to remain with the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The deal makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL and includes $110 million in guaranteed money. The No. 22 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is arguably one of the best players in the league, regardless of position, and he has posted 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns through his first 60 games. At just 24 years old, he has been named to three Pro Bowls and three All-Pro squads. He also won the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award after posting 1,809 receiving yards. Jefferson is well on pace to become a future Hall of Famer, so hopefully, he can stay healthy after missing seven games last year. Although he's set to play with Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy at quarterback in 2024, he should remain at least a mid-range WR1 in fantasy football.

Jun 3, 2024 10:12 AM EST


Vikings "Pretty Motivated" To Get Justin Jefferson Deal Finished

According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, speaking on ESPN's SportsCenter on Saturday morning, the Minnesota Vikings are "pretty motivated" to get a deal finalized with wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The 24-year-old has been a menace for opposing defenses since entering the league, amassing 392 catches for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns. Understandably, he wants a lucrative extension, and while there hasn't been much movement on that front, it appears a deal could be reached in the "coming weeks," one that could be "market-altering." Although Jefferson no longer has Kirk Cousins slinging him the ball, the wideout should be taken early in the first round in nearly every fantasy draft heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

Jun 1, 2024 9:36 PM EST


Justin Jefferson Not Present At OTAs On Monday

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson was not spotted at the team's facility for the start of organized team activities on Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jefferson and the Vikings have reportedly been in discussions regarding a new contract for the superstar pass-catcher, and it would not be a surprise if he does not report until he inks a new deal. The 2020 first-round pick has three seasons of at least 1,400 receiving yards on his resume already, and he posted 1,074 yards in just 10 games last season. The 24-year-old holds the NFL record for the most receiving yards per game (98.3), so a hefty payday should be coming soon. Stud wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and A.J. Brown signed deals this offseason that include an average salary of at least $30 million, and Jefferson is expected to become the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history when he reaches a new agreement. 2024 will mark the first season he won't be catching any passes from Kirk Cousins, but his 192-yard performance in Week 18 with Nick Mullens at the helm proves he is quarterback-proof.

May 20, 2024 4:38 PM EST


Vikings Optimistic Regarding Justin Jefferson's Contract Talks

Despite taking a brief pause in contract negotiations during NFL draft weekend, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the team and wide receiver Justin Jefferson continue to make progress. "We continue to have great dialogue with their representatives," Adofo-Mensah said. "The process is still ongoing. We did say, 'Hey, [let's pause] a couple days.' The draft's coming. They have players they represent. We have our process." The two sides have been discussing a new deal for more than a year, with the GM saying previously they got "unbelievably close" to a deal last summer. Despite going on Injured Reserve in 2023 with a hamstring injury, Jefferson still went over 1,000 yards receiving and scored five touchdowns. Sooner than later, he's going to become the league's highest-paid wideout.

Apr 28, 2024 1:31 PM EST


Justin Jefferson Doesn't Report For Voluntary Workouts

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that wide receiver Justin Jefferson did not report on Monday for Day 1 of voluntary workouts. The workouts this spring are voluntary, and Jefferson is angling for a new contract. It was a disappointing year for Jefferson in 2023 due to injury, as he played in a career-low 10 games. However, the three-time Pro Bowler still managed to go over 1,000 yards receiving for the fourth straight season to begin his NFL career, also adding five touchdowns. The 24-year-old remains one of the best wideouts, if not the best, in football when he's healthy. However, contract situation aside, his fantasy value for 2024 is inevitably going to take a hit after quarterback Kirk Cousins left in free agency to play for the Atlanta Falcons.

Apr 15, 2024 2:05 PM EST


Vikings Still Not Interested In Trading Justin Jefferson

At the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah aggressively rejected the idea of trading star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The Vikings came close to extending Jefferson last offseason, and the team still has no plans to trade him despite quarterback Kirk Cousins' departure to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, according to sources. The 25-year-old pass-catcher is currently signed through the 2024 season. With Cousins gone, the Vikings signed former first-rounder Sam Darnold. Unless the team makes a splash in the upcoming NFL draft for a rookie signal-caller, all signs point to Darnold taking over the starting gig in Minnesota, which would give Jefferson far less upside as an elite WR1 for fantasy purposes.

Mar 13, 2024 12:05 PM EST


Vikings Not Looking To Trade Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been the subject of social-media chatter lately as a potential trade candidate this offseason, but general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the idea of trading Jefferson is "not something that has once crossed my mind." The speculation is coming this offseason because of the fact that the two sides haven't been able to work out a long-term extension yet. The 24-year-old made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons in the league before playing in a career-low 10 games in 2023 due to injury. But Jefferson still managed his fourth straight 1,000-yard season despite his injury. While he'll remain an elite WR1 in fantasy heading into drafts this fall, whether quarterback Kirk Cousins re-signs in free agency will be a major talking point as it relates to Jefferson this offseason.

Feb 27, 2024 2:01 PM EST


Justin Jefferson Goes Out With Big Game In Week 18

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson absolutely dominated in the regular season finale on Sunday against the Detroit Lions in a 30-20 loss, catching 12 of his 14 targets for 192 yards and a touchdown. He also had one carry for a loss of 12 yards. It was a tough season for the 24-year-old and fantasy managers that took him in the first round, as he was only able to play in 10 games due to a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined from Weeks 6-12. Despite missing seven games, Jefferson still managed a 1,000-yard season with 68 receptions on 100 targets for five touchdowns. It was even more impressive that he did it with four different quarterbacks in 2023. Even with Kirk Cousins' future in Minnesota uncertain, Jefferson has proven that he's one of the best receivers, if not the best, in all of football.

Jan 8, 2024 12:54 PM EST


Justin Jefferson Has Upside Amidst Another QB Change

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson returns to the WR1 tier for fantasy football after the team announced that quarterback Nick Mullens would return to the starting role against the Detroit Lions in Week 18. The 24-year-old looked solid in Mullens' previous two starts, totaling 13 catches, 225 yards, and one touchdown during that span. Mullens has the tendency to air the ball out and take risks, which bodes well for Jefferson's upside, even against a respected Lions defense. Fantasy managers should view the alpha wideout as a must-start option once against this week.

Jan 7, 2024 8:46 AM EST


Justin Jefferson Goes Down With The Ship

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson posted his third straight week with 10 targets in Sunday night's dismal 33-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers, logging five receptions for 59 yards. Jefferson was dealt a tough hand in Week 17, with the Vikings electing for a midgame quarterback swap between Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens. It was more or less a microcosm of Jefferson's frustrating 2023 for both real-life and fantasy purposes, as the 24-year-old three-time Pro Bowler was well on his way to another ridiculous campaign before his midseason hamstring strain was later coupled with Kirk Cousins' (Achilles) season-ending injury. Fantasy managers who actually made it to the finals despite Jefferson's seven-game absence may have hardly benefitted from having him available anyway. Jefferson pulled in a 6/141/1 receiving line last Sunday against the Detroit Lions, who he will take on in Week 18.

Jan 1, 2024 1:25 AM EST


Justin Jefferson A WR1 Option Versus Packers

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson will look to build on his 141-yard performance in Week 17 as the Vikings host the Packers. Jefferson will look to build a rapport with his new quarterback Jaren Hall in this one, as the rookie makes just his second NFL start. The All-Pro wideout could be relied on heavily in the passing game on Sunday, as T.J. Hockenson (knee) is out and Jordan Addison (ankle) is listed as questionable. Jefferson gets a more positive outlook with Jaire Alexander (suspension) sitting out of this game, so fantasy managers can treat the stud receiver as a WR1 option in the fantasy championship weekend.

Dec 30, 2023 4:53 PM EST


Justin Jefferson's 141 Yards Not Enough In Loss

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson enjoyed his best game since returning from injured reserve in Sunday's tough 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions, catching six of his 10 targets for 141 yards and a touchdown. Minnesota's offense ran through Jefferson in Week 16, as complementary pieces T.J. Hockenson (knee) and Jordan Addison (ankle) left the contest early, and the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year reminded the world of his innate ability to take over a football game. Jefferson scored from 26 yards out in the second quarter, but perhaps his biggest highlight of the afternoon came on a catch-of-the-year candidate from 27 yards away on third-and-long late in the fourth period. For season-long fantasy managers that hung in there for Jefferson's seven-game absence from Weeks 6 through 12, the 24-year-old All-Pro will try to help win fantasy championships on New Year's Eve next Sunday night versus the Green Bay Packers.

Dec 25, 2023 12:46 AM EST