Vikings rule out WR Justin Jefferson vs. Broncos

Field Level Media|published: Sat 18th November, 21:36 2023

Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at U.S. Bank Stadium. credits: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings ruled out All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.

Jefferson, who had been listed as questionable, was a limited participant in practice during the week.

Jefferson said Thursday after participating in individual drills in practice that the final call on his game status would be his to make. He remains in the 21-day window to return from injured reserve and last played Oct. 8. He said he wouldn't play until he's 100 percent healthy.

In other moves, the Vikings ruled out guard Chris Reed for Sunday's game. The team activated quarterback Nick Mullens to the 53-man roster. Linebacker Anthony Barr and CB Joejuan Williams were elevated to the active roster.

Jefferson, 24, was injured in the Vikings' Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He has 36 catches for 571 yards and three touchdowns this season.

While sidelined, the Vikings lost quarterback Kirk Cousins to a season-ending Achilles injury but haven't lost a game. They have strung together five consecutive wins.

The Vikings (6-4) are 2-0 since Joshua Dobbs took over at quarterback after injuries to Cousins and rookie Jaren Hall, who was ruled out for Week 11 at Denver. They are 1 1/2 games behind the Detroit Lions in the NFC North.

Starting running back Alexander Mattison (concussion) is also questionable for Sunday's game but he's reportedly set to play.

—Field Level Media