Minnesota Vikings have ruled wide receiver Justin Jefferson out for the remainder of Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with an ankle injury. the team confirmed.
Jefferson went down in the first quarter and went to the medical tent for more evaluation. He came out with both ankles very attachedwalked the sideline testing his mobility and was eventually escorted to the locker room. Notably, Jefferson was able to get off the field under his own power.
His final play of the game came in the first quarter when he was tackled by Buccaneers safety Tykee Smith.
Jefferson finished the day with two catches for 32 yards, including a 22-yard catch on Minnesota’s opening drive.
The injury comes at a pivotal time for Minnesota’s offense, as quarterback Kyler Murray returned Sunday after clearing concussion protocol.
The injury will hurt Minnesota no matter how long he’s out. Jefferson has established himself as one of the best receivers in the league and a matchup nightmare that demands the defense’s full attention at all times.
Despite a carousel of shaky quarterback play last season, Jefferson still posted his sixth straight 1,000-yard campaign, making him the third player in NFL history to reach the 1,000-yard mark in each of his first six seasons, joining Randy Moss and Mike Evans.
