Vikings place Justin Jefferson on injured reserve

The Minnesota Vikings placed star receiver Justin Jefferson on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, the team announced Wednesday.

The 2022 Offensive Player of the Year will miss at least the next four games. The Vikings have the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and Atlanta Falcons on the schedule.

The exact timeline of Jefferson's return will be determined by his response to treatment, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. He's eligible to return to action ahead of the Vikings' matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 12.

The All-Pro wideout, who never missed a game during his first three seasons in the league, left Minnesota's Week 5 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter favoring his hamstring. Jefferson sustained the injury when he slipped on the turf while trying to make a cut on a route. The three-time Pro Bowler didn't return for the remainder of the game.

Jefferson leads all Vikings pass-catchers with 36 receptions for 571 yards and three touchdowns through five games.

Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, and tight end T.J. Hockenson will likely see an increase in targets with Jefferson on the mend. Wideouts N'Keal Harry and Trishton Jackson were also added to the active roster from the practice squad.

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