With just one day before their season-opening game against the Chicago Bears, the Minnesota Vikings got some news that could directly impact the matchup.
In the Bears' updated injury report on Sunday, they announced that they were adding starting cornerback Kyler Gordon to it last second with a hamstring injury. Gordon is listed as questionable for the game.
This isn't a new injury for Gordon, as he missed most of training camp with the injury after suffering it near the beginning of August. Chicago has been plagued with injuries in the secondary, with two-time Pro Bowler Jaylon Johnson (calf/groin) and Josh Blackwell (groin) listed as questionable. Johnson is lined up to play, but Blackwell's status is uncertain.
On top of the injuries, Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury and will most likely not play. All these things combined, and one thing comes to mind for all Vikings fans: Justin Jefferson is about to go off on Monday.
Minnesota Vikings fans ready to pencil in a monster start to the season for Justin Jefferson
Jefferson enjoys playing the Bears as he has had a ton of success against them since 2020. He's played Chicago eight times, as Jefferson has put up 50 receptions for 685 yards and three touchdowns. Half of those games ended with him going over 100 yards receiving.
Monday could get even more dangerous for Jefferson as he faces a banged-up Bears secondary. Most likely, Johnson will be lined up against Jefferson, but he hasn't played at all in the preseason and has only been practicing for roughly two weeks.
Jefferson has a chance to take advantage of that and make some big plays in the game. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell will most likely try to keep the play calling more balanced for his young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, making his first career start. There are, however, opportunities to take some deep shots with Jefferson.
It'll be more important than ever that Jefferson has a big game since the Vikings are dealing with injuries and Jordan Addison's suspension. The good news is that Adam Thielen is back on the team, so they have another veteran to help Jefferson and McCarthy.
Still, Vikings fans are starting to have the sense that Jefferson is about to go off against the Bears and prove why he's the best wide receiver in the NFL.