Justin Jefferson injury update: Will Vikings WR play vs Bears?

The Minnesota Vikings will face the Chicago Bears on September 8. RB Zavier Scott, defensive end Elijah Williams, and free safety Harrison Smith are out

Published on: Sep 8, 2025, 19:02:20 IST

By HT News Desk

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The Minnesota Vikings are preparing to face the Chicago Bears in their 2025 season opener on Monday (September 8) at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, at 8:15 PM. Running back Zavier Scott, defensive end Elijah Williams, and free safety Harrison Smith have been ruled out of the game. In this situation, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s recovery and return become a matter of concern.

File photo of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Justin Jefferson’s injury and remarks

Jefferson’s position this season remained questionable after he spent the entire training camp and preseason period suffering from a hamstring injury. As of now, he hadn’t been placed in the latest injury report published by the Vikings.

“Hamstring is feeling great,” Jefferson said during an interview with D.J. Siddiqi of The Escapist. “We definitely had a great plan throughout training camp of getting it stronger, getting the mobility back right, and to make sure that with my cut moves, and the way I move, the way I explode — it's just so much on the body, and I had to get stronger, had to get more physical and upper-body stronger. I feel like the whole process went well, and I'm definitely ready for Week 1. I'm ready to rock and roll.”

Jefferson played all 17 games last season, where he caught 103 passes for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns, as reported by Newsweek.

How does it affect the Vikings?

Jefferson’s attendance in Monday’s game gained importance, given the support new quarterback JJ McCarthy will need on the field after Sam Darnold left for free agency.

Given the increasing number of injuries the Vikings are dealing with and Jordan Addison having been suspended, the team is counting on Jefferson and McCarthy to take this home.

The wide receiver could take advantage of Johnson missing the preseason and currently being questionable for participation. As of now, there is no room to believe Jefferson could skip the Vikings’ takeover of the Bears.

Following Monday’s game, the Vikings will be facing the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, September 14.

With contribution from Stuti Gupta

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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