The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 3-0 in a game full of twists and turns and, regrettably for both sides, injuries.
Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings had to leave the game after returning from a five-week hamstring injury. The ailment this time was a chest injury, which sent Jefferson to the hospital.
After the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell provided an update on the star’s condition.
“Justin Jefferson suffered an internal chest injury there.” “We wanted to rule out any potential complications from that, so he went to a local hospital and got evaluated,” O’Connell said after the game in a press conference. “And he has since returned, and he will accompany us home.” So I’m heartened by the early news on Justin.”
Jefferson was hurt early in the second quarter after being struck by Raiders safety Marcus Epps.
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson got injured on this catch.
He’s headed to the locker room now. pic.twitter.com/ZKRWU6Muim
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) December 10, 2023
When he fell down, the three-time Pro Bowler had two receptions for 27 yards. His yards was tied for second on the squad with Jordan Addison, and it was the most among wide receivers.
“We’ll have to see, on a short week, how he’s able to turn over from this,” he said.
On Saturday, December 16, the Vikings will travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals. The league moved them from their normal Sunday time slot. Cincinnati defeated the Indianapolis Colts 34-14 in Week 14 thanks to 275 passing yards and one touchdown from quarterback Jake Browning, who made his third start in place of the injured Joe Burrow.
It’s terrible enough that Jefferson was injured again during his much-anticipated return to action. But it isn’t the only injury the Vikings are dealing with.
Justin Jefferson is not the only Vikings injury update.
“Brian O’Neill suffered a left ankle sprain,” O’Connell stated of the Vikings’ starting right tackle. “Did not return.”
O’Neill’s setback could be compounded by the fact that starting right guard Ed Ingram will miss Week 14 with a hip injury. Ingram was questionable after exercising in a limited capacity all week, maybe implying he had a shot to play.
The day off may get him back in there, which may ease the damage if O’Neill is forced to miss time.
“Alex Mattison,” he says. “It’s a right ankle sprain,” O’Connell explained. “Did not return.”
Mattison was given the ball first. He gained 66 yards on 10 carries. Ty Chandler, a second-year player, took over for him and carried the ball 12 times. But he only gained 35 yards, averaging 2.9 yards per carry. Mattison was averaging 6.9 yards per rush when he was injured, a new season high. His 66 rushing yards are his fourth most this season.
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“And then Jalen Nailor appeared to sustain a concussion late in the game.” “At the very least, he was added to the protocol,” O’Connell said. “So we’ll see how he handles kind of the travel home, and then the short week like I was talking about.”
Nailor, a second-year player, had two 13-yard grabs.
Injuries also struck the Raiders.
The Raiders did not escape the game unscathed, however, as running back Josh Jacobs suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter.
Josh Jacobs is on his way to the locker room pic.twitter.com/gAitXCoDKN
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 10, 2023
Jacobs topped the NFL in rushing last season and was leading the league in carries as of Week 14. There are no little losses for a now 5-8 Raiders team that is still in the playoff hunt.
However, an extended absence by Jacobs would be a big setback to their offense.
