Kyler Murray's first full game as the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback was dealt a huge blow when wide receiver Justin Jefferson exited the game with an ankle injury after playing just seven snaps.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell said Jefferson was close to coming back into the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; it just didn't become palatable.
While no opponent should be taken lightly, a Week 4 matchup against the 0-3 and dismal-looking Miami Dolphins looks like an opportunity to play it safe with the team's best player.
As pretty much could be expected, Jefferson didn't practice on Wednesday as the Vikings started the week of on-field work. Thursday would likely be a better indication of his ability to suit up against the Dolphins, and he didn't practice once again.
Jefferson is definitely one of those "doesn't have to practice in order to play" guys. But there's a lot of the season left, and an injury like his can linger if it's allowed to.
Reports indicated Vikings would take smart approach with Justin Jefferson, and they'll do so
On NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" before Friday's final injury report reveal, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport had an update on Jefferson.
"He’s dealing with an ankle injury and has not practiced yet this week.
They have the Dolphins, whose record is, you know, not very good. Then they have a bye week.
It would make a lot of sense if they took him off the field, just let him fully heal for the stretch run. More information coming on that today."
Rapoport was not entirely accurate there. After facing the Dolphins on Sunday, the Vikings will take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 5 before their bye in Week 6.
With that in mind, during his regular appearance on KFXN-FM Radio's "The Power Trip Morning Show" Thursday morning, Tom Pelissero of The Ringer reported that Jefferson's ankle injury is not a long-term concern, and he is expected to play against the Saints in Week 5 if he doesn't play against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Pelissero reinforced the idea a game against the Dolphins is not a game where Jefferson should be pushed to play if it invites the risk of a setback.
A return home to Louisiana to play the Saints will also be very meaningful to Jefferson, as Pelissero mentioned. If that means missing the game against Miami to ensure he's available against the Saints, maybe he won't resist sitting as much as he would ordinarily,
Update: After missing practice again on Friday, Jefferson has indeed been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.
Everything pointed to the Vikings taking the smart approach with Jefferson's injury this week, and they will do so with zero regret.
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