Vikings WR Justin Jefferson says he's playing Sunday

Field Level Media|published: Wed 13th December, 14:06 2023

Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. credits: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings standout wide receiver Justin Jefferson said Wednesday that he will play this week, two days removed from a trip to the hospital after a suffering a chest injury during Sunday's game.

The team's first injury report will be released later Wednesday, but Jefferson told reporters that he's playing Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jefferson called the injury an "inner bruise."

Jefferson said he was watching the game while being transported to the hospital and then after he arrived.

"I was yelling, I was screaming," Jefferson told reporters. "The people that were really hurt were probably annoyed by me. ... It was definitely a new experience for me that I don't want again."

Jefferson was injured during the Vikings' 3-0 win at Las Vegas while making a 15-yard catch across the middle on a pass from Josh Dobbs. Jefferson leaped for a high pass, and while both of his arms were raised, he absorbed a hard hit on the back right side of his ribs from Raiders safety Marcus Epps.

The injury prompted an early exit for Jefferson, who was playing for the first time in eight games. He sustained a right hamstring injury in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jefferson averaged 135.8 receiving yards per game through his first four games of the season.

The NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2022, Jefferson finished Sunday's game with two catches for 27 yards.

—Field Level Media

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