Justin Jefferson Injury Update & Return Timeline

Charlie Zschau Published: Oct 02 2026 20:38

Vikings fans and Fantasy Football managers alike winced as they saw Justin Jefferson leave the game against the Buccaneers with an ankle injury.

The Minnesota Vikings earned a hard fought 23-16 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but although they won the game, they lost All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson to an ankle injury in the first quarter of the game.

Jefferson walked off the field under his own power after a defender fell on his ankle in the first quarter, but did not did not return to the game and was officially ruled out in the third quarter. Before leaving the game, Jefferson caught two passes for 32 yards.

With Jefferson on the sidelines, 24-year-old Jordan Addison saw an increase in targets from quarterback Kyler Murray. Addison finished with five catches for 90 yards and a touchdown on nine targets.

The Vikings remain undefeated (3-0), and will face the winless Miami Dolphins (0-3) in Week 4 at home in Minneapolis.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell offered a promising update in his post-game press conference, stating that Jefferson actually "got close" to returning to the game, which was encouraging news that the injury was not incredibly serious, but he has since been ruled out of the game this weekend.

Justin Jefferson's Possible Return Date

Because he was able to walk off the field under his own power and retained the potential to re-enter the match, there was optimism that Jefferson might be available for Week 4.

Unfortunately, the Vikings have officially ruled out their star receiver for the fixture against the Dolphins. Jefferson has missed training all week due to a low ankle sprain.

On the bright side, he will have an extra period to rest his ankle rather than risk aggravating the injury against the winless Miami side. Jefferson is expected to play in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints, ahead of a scheduled bye week.