Justin Jefferson won’t be on the field Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings face the Miami Dolphins, leaving a major hole in an offense that has opened the season 3-0.
The Vikings ruled their star wide receiver out for Week 4 because of an ankle injury, ending any suspense before kickoff. Jefferson was hurt in Minnesota’s 23-16 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3, when he caught two passes for 32 yards before exiting and not returning. After the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell said the wideout had gotten close to coming back.
Jefferson has still been plenty productive through the first three weeks, posting 13 receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns. He also played in every regular-season game for Minnesota in both 2024 and 2025, so Sunday marks a notable absence for one of the league’s most dependable playmakers.
His injury situation never really trended toward a game-day surprise. Jefferson did not practice at all during the week, and the Vikings ultimately chose not to push him against a Dolphins team that is still looking for its first win at 0-3.
With Jefferson sidelined, Minnesota will have to spread the ball around more. Jordan Addison is set for a bigger workload, and tight end T.J.
Hockenson should also see a larger role for quarterback Kyler Murray. Jefferson’s absence strips away the Vikings’ most proven threat on the perimeter, so those secondary options suddenly carry more weight.
For now, Minnesota will try to keep its perfect start rolling without its biggest receiver. Jefferson’s next chance to return could come in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that he is hopeful of playing then.
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