Justin Jefferson
Wide Receiver #18
Justin Jefferson News
Justin Jefferson Praises Kirk Cousins' Leadership
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is excited to have quarterback Kirk Cousins back with the organization. On Thursday, Jefferson said that it's a joy to have Cousins' leadership in the locker room. It has been a down year for Jefferson, who is currently averaging a career-low 56.1 receiving yards per game. It hasn't been easy for him with Kyler Murray (hamstring), Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer as his quarterbacks this season. He'll now be reunited with Cousins, who was under center in Minnesota for the first four years of Jefferson's career. Jefferson averaged nearly 100 yards per game when he had Cousins under center. The hope is that the two of them can quickly reignite their chemistry. Cousins is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Week 10 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Nov 12, 2026 4:31 PM EST
Justin Jefferson Disappoints Again Despite Huge Volume
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught three of 11 passes for 58 yards in his team's 23-6 loss to the visiting Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. Jefferson racked up a ludicrous 40% target share from quarterback Carson Wentz in Week 9, but was held in check as the latter played one of his worst games as a pro. It's an unfortunate outcome, considering Wentz and Jefferson showed chemistry in past games, including earlier this season. Alas, it marks the seventh-year pro's third straight outing with fewer than 60 receiving yards despite a healthy 27 targets over the span. Through seven appearances, Jefferson has logged a mere 31 catches and 393 yards. If this pace holds true, it'd be his lowest receiving total in a campaign of his career (898). The LSU product will look to rebound in a divisional clash with the Green Bay Packers next Sunday.
Nov 9, 2026 8:48 PM EST
Justin Jefferson Returns to Monday's Game
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (head) was forced to briefly exit Monday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Jefferson suffered what appeared to be a head injury during the first quarter. He was taken to the medical tent and tested for a possible concussion. Jefferson has cleared the testing and returned to Monday's game in the second quarter. So far, Jefferson has zero receptions on two targets, but there is still plenty of time for him to get involved. Fantasy managers shouldn't have to worry as Jefferson appears to have avoided any injuries.
Nov 9, 2026 4:15 PM EST
Can QB Switch Finally Unlock Justin Jefferson?
The Minnesota Vikings' inability to get the ball to wide receiver Justin Jefferson this season has been nothing short of embarrassing for head coach Kevin O'Connell and his languishing offense, though the Week 9 matchup against the Buffalo Bills brings a glimmer of hope to fantasy managers. The Vikings will make a quarterback change after ruling out Kyler Murray (hamstring), whose welcome in Minnesota is already wearing thin. In his place steps veteran Carson Wentz, which is good news for Jefferson's fantasy output. The superstar receiver's best game of the season came with Wentz at the helm in Week 1, and the veteran QB peppered his top pass catcher with 50 targets in five starts last season. That is music to the ears of managers who roster Jefferson, who will see the switch in time to face a Bills defense that has allowed the fifth-most points to PPR receivers. The Vikings may still trade for another quarterback, but getting Jefferson more involved should be the No. 1 priority no matter who starts. For now, though, Jefferson is RotoBaller's No. 7 receiver this week, making him a WR1 in all formats.
Nov 7, 2026 9:55 AM EST
Justin Jefferson Suffering from Quarterback Issues in Minnesota
Across six games so far in 2026, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has recorded 28 catches for 335 yards and four touchdowns on 40 targets. While the 27-year-old remains one of the NFL's most talented wide receivers, he's been hurt by the continued struggles of the Minnesota passing game. Jefferson has yet to record 100 receiving yards in a game, and he's been held to fewer than five receptions in three out of six contests. With quarterback Kyler Murray (hamstring) sidelined by a hamstring injury, the Vikings will turn back to QB Carson Wentz in Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills. Wentz may actually provide a lift for Jefferson, as Jefferson's best game of the season so far came in Week 1 with Wentz under center. Still, Minnesota's pass game remains hard for fantasy managers to trust until the team starts getting more consistent quarterback play. Jefferson remains a must-start wide receiver, but he may not have the elite production upside that he's brought for most of his career.
Nov 6, 2026 5:18 AM EST
Justin Jefferson Brings Big Potential To Week 8 Matchup
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is a clear WR1 when the Vikings travel to Detroit in Week 8. The LSU product has enjoyed plenty of success against the Lions during his career, going for a whopping 85 catches, nearly 1,300 yards, and five touchdowns in 12 career games against Detroit. Further, the Lions have been shaky as a pass defense most of the season, allowing the most air yards in the league and ranking 30th against fantasy wide receivers. The Vikings' offense, however, has been mired in a slump despite its 6-0 record, which has depressed Jefferson's production to being the No. 28 PPR receiver so far this season. While the Vikings haven't taken off behind quarterback Kyler Murray, Jefferson and this matchup are too good to ignore. He's RotoBaller's No. 7 receiver this week.
Oct 30, 2026 12:03 PM EST
Justin Jefferson Disappoints With Just 44 Yards in Week 7 Victory
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson remains a must-start fantasy wideout despite being one of Week 7's biggest disappointments, catching four of seven targets for 44 yards in Sunday's 16-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. He led Minnesota in targets and receiving yards but failed to record a reception in the second half, finishing with just 8.4 PPR fantasy points. The lackluster performance came against a Colts secondary missing standout cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf), making the limited production frustrating. Quarterback Kyler Murray completed only 14 of 24 passes for 150 yards, with his lone touchdown going to tight end T.J. Hockenson. Jefferson had entered the game following a six-catch, 79-yard, one-touchdown performance against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5, but Minnesota's passing offense struggled to generate opportunities Sunday. He is still the Vikings' primary receiving option, although the team's modest passing volume continues to present challenges.
Oct 25, 2026 12:32 PM EST
Potential For Resurgent Justin Jefferson Against Slumping Colts
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) is once again a no-doubt fantasy starter now that he does not appear on the final injury report ahead of a game against the Indianapolis Colts. To his credit, the superstar was excellent in spite of the injury last time out, making an excellent touchdown catch in the back of the end zone and finishing with six catches for 79 yards against New Orleans. The Colts, on the other hand, dismissed general manager Chris Ballard this week amid the team's struggles, which extend to a defense that has been among the league's worst. Indianapolis pressures the quarterback at the lowest rate in the league, is allowing points nearly half the time the opponent has the ball, and ranks tied for 30th in yards per completion allowed. To be fair, Minnesota's offense has lacked firepower most of the season, though Jefferson and quarterback Kyler Murray have played only one full game together so far. Managers should plan on playing Jefferson, RotoBaller's No. 12 receiver this week, in all formats.
Oct 23, 2026 12:30 PM EST
Justin Jefferson Carries No Injury Designation for Week 7
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) carries no injury designation for Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Jefferson was limited Wednesday before practicing in full Thursday and Friday following Minnesota's Week 6 bye. He missed Week 4 with the ankle injury but returned against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5, catching six of seven targets for 79 yards and a touchdown. Jefferson has 19 receptions for 258 yards and three touchdowns in four appearances this season. With Indianapolis ruling out cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf), Jefferson remains a must-start WR1 for fantasy managers.
Oct 23, 2026 11:24 AM EST
Justin Jefferson Still Dealing With Ankle Injury, Limited on Wednesday
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) is on the Week 7 injury report with an ankle injury and was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Jefferson tweaked his ankle in Week 3 in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was held out of the Week 4 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The 27-year-old All-Pro wideout returned for the Week 5 win over the New Orleans Saints and caught six of seven targets for 79 yards and his third touchdown of the season. Jefferson has not ditched his ankle injury after having a week off during the Week 6 bye, but the fact that he is limited could just mean that the Vikings are giving him a little more rest as the team prepares to play the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday. If Jefferson upgrades to a full practice on Thursday or Friday, he could be removed from the final injury report entirely. The four-time Pro Bowler has 19 catches for 258 yards and three scores through four games this year and should be a must-start in all starting fantasy lineups if he gets the green light to face the Colts.
Oct 21, 2026 1:55 PM EST
Justin Jefferson Finds the End Zone in First Game Back
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught six of his seven targets for 79 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown during Sunday's Week 5 win over the New Orleans Saints. He also had a rushing attempt for a loss of 11 yards. Jefferson returned from a one-week absence caused by an ankle sprain, and he wasted no time making an impact in his first game back. The 27-year-old now has 19 catches for 258 yards and two touchdowns through parts of four games this season. He's still not quite back at his overall WR1 form from 2022, but his impressive performance on Sunday is absolutely a step in the right direction. The Vikings have a Week 6 bye, but Jefferson will look to build on this momentum when he returns to the field in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts, who just held DK Metcalf to a mere 12 yards.
Oct 11, 2026 6:26 PM EST
Justin Jefferson Active Against Saints
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) is active for Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Jefferson missed last week's win over Miami after injuring his ankle against Tampa Bay in Week 3. He was limited in all three practices leading up to Sunday and entered the weekend listed as questionable. Jefferson had 13 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games, with both scores coming in the season opener against Green Bay. He returns with Jordan Addison (hamstring) inactive, leaving Minnesota without its usual starting receiver combination.
Oct 11, 2026 7:40 AM EST
Justin Jefferson Expected to Play Against the Saints in Week 5
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 5 contest against the New Orleans Saints, according to Jeff Darlington of ESPN. Jefferson entered the weekend listed as questionable, but he plans to suit up against New Orleans, barring a setback during pregame warmups. Jefferson's availability for Week 5 shouldn't come as much of a surprise, as he previously said he'd do whatever was necessary to play in Louisiana, where he went to college. Jefferson is on track to play his first full game since Week 2. Through the first two weeks of the season, he caught 11 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns. He briefly caught passes from Kyler Murray in Week 1 before the quarterback suffered a concussion, but barring an injury, Sunday's game will represent the first time the quarterback and receiver play a full 60 minutes together. With that being said, fellow wide receiver Jordan Addison won't be along for the ride, as Darlington reports that Addison will be inactive for Week 5.
Oct 11, 2026 6:21 AM EST
Justin Jefferson Remains a Game-Time Decision Against New Orleans
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) will work out ahead of Sunday's Week 5 contest against the New Orleans Saints to determine whether he's able to play, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The 27-year-old receiver is listed as questionable, and he previously said that he'll do whatever he can to play in Louisiana, where he played college football. Jefferson had 92 yards and two touchdowns back in Week 1, but he followed that up with a modest 8.5-point showing in PPR leagues. Then, he exited early in Week 3 and was inactive for Week 4. If Jefferson does play on Sunday, it'll be his first full game with quarterback Kyler Murray. The jury is still out on whether Murray can support consistent WR1 production from Jefferson in fantasy football.
Oct 11, 2026 4:59 AM EST
Justin Jefferson "Plans to Play" in Week 5
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) "plans to play" and "wants to play" this Sunday in a Week 5 matchup on the road at the New Orleans Saints. Jefferson was held out of last week's win over the Miami Dolphins. He was limited in practice this week and is pushing to play as he returns to his hometown of New Orleans. Fellow wideout Jordan Addison (hamstring) is also questionable, so quarterback Kyler Murray could be down two of his top wideouts on the road in a tough environment. Fowler thinks both Jefferson and Addison could be game-time decisions on Sunday morning. It appears that Jefferson is trending in the right direction this weekend, but fantasy managers are going to have to come back this weekend for an update on his status. If Jefferson is active, he is an absolute must-start in all traditional fantasy football leagues. The 27-year-old former LSU star would love nothing more than to return to his hometown and put on a show. In three games so far in 2026, Jefferson has caught just 13 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
Oct 9, 2026 4:45 PM EST
Happy Homecoming For Justin Jefferson?
After missing the majority of two games with an injury and carrying a questionable designation, Justin Jefferson (ankle) could be a luxury WR2 if the Minnesota Vikings give him the green light against the New Orleans Saints. The Louisiana native and former LSU star said earlier in the week that he intends to play in his home state, and he practiced in a limited capacity every day this week. However, with the Vikings' bye looming next week and ankle sprains being notoriously tricky, it remains to be seen how aggressive Minnesota will be with its best player. Jefferson compiled 16 catches and 232 yards in two previous games against the Saints, who rank 13th against PPR receivers this season. The Vikings' offensive struggles and Jefferson's injury dampened his outlook to RotoBaller's No. 17 receiver this week, but if he's active, Jefferson is still an elite option worthy of starting in every format.
Oct 9, 2026 1:10 PM EST
Justin Jefferson Questionable for Week 5
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) is questionable to play in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, according to The Athletic's Alec Lewis. An ankle injury kept Jefferson from playing in the Week 4 win over the Miami Dolphins, and his status is once again up in the air this weekend. If Jefferson returns, he should be returned to all starting fantasy lineups on the road in New Orleans. In addition to Jefferson, fellow wideout Jordan Addison (hamstring) is questionable to play. The good news is that both wideouts were able to practice on Thursday and Friday, so they should be on the right side of questionable to face the Saints. Quarterback Kyler Murray would be a much more acceptable QB2 play in superflex formats if both Jefferson and Addison are active on Sunday. Jefferson, 27, has 13 catches on 17 targets for 179 yards and two touchdowns through his first three games in 2026, with both of his scores coming in the Week 1 win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers.
Oct 9, 2026 10:36 AM EST
Justin Jefferson Limited Again on Thursday
Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Jefferson hurt his ankle in the Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then did not play this past Sunday in the Week 4 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The 27-year-old is at least practicing this week, but he is not a lock to return for the Week 5 game on Sunday on the road against the New Orleans Saints. Fellow receiver Jordan Addison (hamstring) is also dealing with an injury, but he returned to practice on Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday. Fantasy managers will hopefully have a better idea of Jefferson's Week 5 status on Friday. If the four-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro is active this weekend, he will need to be deployed in all starting fantasy lineups as one of the top pass-catchers in football. Jefferson and quarterback Kyler Murray have not had a ton of time yet in the regular season to develop chemistry because of their injuries. The Louisiana native will likely be pushing hard to return this weekend as he returns home to the Big Easy.
Oct 8, 2026 1:55 PM EST
Justin Jefferson Limited on Wednesday, "Doing Well"
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) is "doing well" and will be limited in Wednesday's practice. Jefferson sprained his left ankle in the Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and did not practice last week before being ruled out for the Week 4 win over the Miami Dolphins. The All-Pro receiver is not a lock to return for a Week 5 tilt on the road against the New Orleans Saints, but the fact that he is back at practice early in the week is a good sign. Fellow receiver Jordan Addison is nursing a hamstring injury this week as well, so Minnesota's receiving corps could be short-handed against New Orleans. Jefferson is a must-start in all traditional fantasy football leagues when he is active, but we will need to keep a close eye on his status over the next two days. With Jefferson out and Addison getting injured on Sunday, tight end T.J. Hockenson had a big game through the air. Jefferson has caught 13 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns in three games this year, and he has yet to really develop chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray, with the two players already missing time with injuries in 2026.
Oct 7, 2026 2:24 PM EST
Vikings Hopeful that Justin Jefferson Will Return in Week 5
The Minnesota Vikings are "hopeful" that star wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) will make his return in Week 5, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Jefferson suffered the injury in Week 3 and has been ruled out for the Vikings' Week 4 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. However, Fowler reports that Jefferson's injury is "not a long-term issue." Across three games this season, the 27-year-old has recorded 13 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns on 17 targets. When healthy, Jefferson profiles as one of the best wide receivers in football and the clear number one option in the Minnesota passing game. Without him, Vikings wideouts Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings should see larger workloads this week against Miami.
Oct 3, 2026 5:25 AM EST
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