- Jefferson’s return cut short amid multiple Vikings injuries
Justin Jefferson made his return to the Vikings lineup Sunday, but the star receiver left Minnesota’s game at Las Vegas after making his second catch.
Jefferson secured a high pass over the middle from Joshua Dobbs for a gain of 15, but Raiders safety Marcus Epps, a former Viking, delivered a legal but crushing hit to Jefferson’s chest.
Jefferson headed for the sideline and was evaluated before he was transported to a local hospital out of precaution.
His day ended with 9:10 remaining in the second quarter. His two catches for 27 yards on three targets led all Minnesota players in a scoreless first half.
Jefferson entered the game tied with Hall of Famer and Vikings Ring of Honor member Randy Moss for the second-most receiving yards in an NFL player’s first four seasons (5,396). With 5,423, he only trails Michael Thomas (5,512) in NFL history.
Additionally, right tackle Brian O’Neill and running back Alexander Mattison each suffered ankle injuries that sidelined them for the rest of the game.
O’Neill was injured on Minnesota’s final offensive snap of the first half, and Mattison was injured during a short reception near the sideline on Minnesota’s second play of the second half.
In the fourth quarter, receiver Jalen Nailor suffered a concussion on a helmet-to-helmet hit by Amik Robertson that was not flagged.
Guard Dalton Risner left the game briefly in the third quarter but returned to action quickly.
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