Vikings WR Justin Jefferson confident in offense even with uncertainty at QB position
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is considered by many as the best pass catcher in the NFL.
Jefferson has risen through the ranks of the league's best wideouts despite some noted uncertainty at quarterback in Minnesota since being drafted in 2020. Through four games this season, the Vikings are already on starting quarterback No. 2 following J.J. McCarthy's ankle injury, which caused him to miss the past two weeks.
#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson on the little bit of uncertainty at QB" this season:
- VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 2, 2025
To be honest, that's been my whole entire career since I've been here. Not really flinching on that type of deal, that's something I can't really control... It really doesn't matter who is out... pic.twitter.com/PqJahEyVrd
To be honest, that's been my whole entire career since I've been here. Not really flinching on that type of deal, that's something I can't really control. ... It really doesn't matter who is out there throwing the ball. I always have confidence in myself, and the person throwing the ball that we're gonna make something shake."
[Get more Vikings news: Minnesota team feed]
Veteran quarterback Carson Wentz has filled in for McCarthy, splitting the past two games with a win against Cincinnati and a loss last week to Pittsburgh in Dublin, Ireland. Last season, McCarthy missed his entire (original) rookie year after suffering a torn meniscus in August of 2024. Sam Darnold started all 17 games, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record and a playoff appearance.
In 2023, Jefferson caught passes from four starting quarterbacks, with Kirk Cousins, Joshua Dobbs, Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens all taking snaps for Minnesota. That's seven different starting quarterbacks Jefferson and the Vikings' offense have had to build chemistry with in less than three full seasons.
In the face of this rotating door of quarterbacks, Jefferson remains an All-Pro and Pro Bowl receiver, making spectacular plays no matter who's throwing the ball.
The confidence Jefferson displays has become a staple of his game during his six-year career in the NFL. Overall, Jefferson is a four-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro selection, and the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year. That year, Jefferson caught 128 receptions, for 1,809 yards receiving and an average of 106.4 yards per game, to lead the league in each category. Jefferson added nine total touchdowns, catching eight and one on the ground.
McCarthy is currently rehabbing his ankle injury, with the team looking at a potential return following the Week 6 bye. In Week 5, the Vikings will play their second consecutive international game against the Cleveland Browns in London, on the heels of last weekend's loss to the Steelers in Dublin.
Cleveland and Minnesota will kick off Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.