O'Connell: Jefferson has 'good chance' to play in Week 15 despite chest injury
Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson has a "good chance" to play in Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals despite a chest injury, head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Monday, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.
The star wideout was briefly hospitalized Sunday as a precaution before traveling home with the team. He's considered day-to-day.
Jefferson was injured in his first contest following a seven-game absence due to a hamstring injury. He took a big shot to the midsection from a Las Vegas Raiders defender while reaching for a high pass.
Justin Jefferson was ruled out for the rest of today’s game after this play.
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 10, 2023
Hope it’s not serious.
pic.twitter.com/OiEjCmSyMy
The 24-year-old has 38 catches for 598 yards and three touchdowns in six appearances this season. Jefferson earned Offensive Player of the Year honors after a 128-catch, 1,809-yard campaign in 2022.
O'Connell also said he wasn't ready to announce a starting quarterback for Week 15 after benching Joshua Dobbs for Nick Mullens during Sunday's 3-0 win, the lowest-scoring NFL game in 16 years.
Mullens led a game-winning drive after stepping in during the fourth quarter for Dobbs, who had just 63 yards on 23 pass attempts.