News Article
Published
Oct 11, 2026 at 12:41 PM EDT
Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson hurt his ankle in Week 3 against Tampa Bay.
Tests showed a minor sprain, and he missed last week’s win over Miami. This week, he practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, and was limited again Thursday. Both he and Jordan Addison were limited Thursday and Friday before being listed as questionable.
Despite the uncertainty all week, Jefferson sounded confident. He said, "that’s definitely the plan" to play in New Orleans, where he won a national title at LSU. Sunday morning, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that both Jefferson and Addison would work out before the Saints game to determine whether they would play. A few hours later, ESPN's Jeff Darlington reported that barring any setbacks, Jefferson is expected to suit up and play.
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Getting Justin Jefferson back could be exactly what Minnesota’s offense needs. The Vikings are 4-0, but their defense has carried them as they have the second-fewest total yards per game (262.8) and rank dead last in the NFL in passing yards per game (156.0). They scored only field goals in last week’s 15-10 win over the Dolphins without him.
It’s a big deal for Kyler Murray, too. Jefferson is the focal point of the Vikings offense, but this would be his first full game with Murray at quarterback. Murray missed Week 2 with a concussion, so the two still haven’t played a full game together.
Sunday will be the perfect chance to see what this offense can really do, with a star receiver giving Murray a go-to target and taking pressure off everyone else.
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Minnesota hasn't lost a game yet and has to like their chances against a Saints team that's 1-3 and just got blown out 45-24 at home against their rival Falcons. But they've also got an explosive passing attack and have already upset the Ravens this season.
The Vikings sit as narrow 2.5-point road favorites with a 41.5-point over/under.