At 5-4, the Minnesota Vikings have managed to put them smack dab in the middle of the playoff race this year.
Minnesota managed to overcome a slow start to the 2023 NFL season behind the effort of Kirk Cousins, though now the team will have to continue without him as he’s out for the year with a torn Achilles.
The Vikings will be rolling out Joshua Dobbs in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints and he gives them a legitimate shot to win given what he did in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Dobbs has a week of practice under his belt and should have a better understanding of the system, though the Saints also have film of him and can better prepare defensively.
Unfortunately for Dobbs, he’ll be without the team’s biggest weapon in Justin Jefferson as he wasn’t activated off of injured reserve.
It’s disappointing having to wait another week to see Jefferson back on the field, but the fans seem to understand the process via Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The #Vikings won’t activate WR Justin Jefferson from injured reserve for Sunday’s game vs. the #Saints.
Jefferson (hamstring) returned to practice this week and was listed as questionable. But the plan was always to ramp him up gradually and that will continue. pic.twitter.com/R3hAXG450j
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 11, 2023
Hopefully Jefferson is able to come back soon.
— Football Learning Academy (Ken Crippen) (@FootballLearn1) November 11, 2023
Darn, but not surprising per reports all week. Another week of Addison and Hockenson being fabulous options #skol
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) November 11, 2023
Smart
— Vikingsprodz8 (@vikingsprodz8) November 11, 2023
We all know this but still sucks. Next week is the start of his revenge tour
— Enjoi (@Enjoi27_) November 11, 2023
Fans know that if Jefferson is rushed back too soon it could spell doom for their postseason hopes, so they and the rest of the Minnesota organization are doing the smart thing and giving the star receiver time to properly heal.
For now, Jefferson is better off waiting until he’s fully cleared before he suits up again but it sounds like he’s much closer than anticipated.
There was some worry that the team could shut down Jefferson for the year given their earlier record, but now they’ll need him back if they want to push toward the postseason.
NEXT: Vikings Have Made A Decision On Justin Jefferson's Status Against Saints
