Vikings to be 'smart' with WR Justin Jefferson next week

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson remains day-to-day with a hamstring injury and is considered questionable one week before the team returns to the field against the Chicago Bears.

"We do have to be smart," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday.

Jefferson returned to practice last week but was limited, primarily participating in position drills and running some routes at less than full speed. He said he would make the final call on his status each week, then was inactive for the Vikings' 21-20 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

O'Connell said part of the math Minnesota is doing involves the bye week that follows its Week 12 division game with Chicago. The bye provides an extra cushion for any decision on the status of Jefferson, who remains in the 21-day window to return from injured reserve.

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.

—Field Level Media