After an injury scare at training camp, Minnesota Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson will be reevaluated this week for his return to practice.
But in the meantime, it hasn’t been former Arizona Cardinals second-round pick Rondale Moore or third-round rookie Tai Felton taking the extra available reps.
Instead, it was XFL standout Lucky Jackson who “almost exclusively” took all the work available with Jefferson sidelined on Day 4 of Vikings training camp, according to Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller.
In his third year with the team after going undrafted in 2020, Jackson was leaned on for his knowledge of the offense in a high-intensity practice that required receivers to execute at a high level for J.J. McCarthy — and Jackson excelled.
“Lucky Jackson was fantastic. He had two different catches where he came over the middle and J.J. McCarthy hit him right on the money,” Coller said on July 26, adding that Jackson could contend for a roster spot with how he slotted in as the No. 3 receiver with Jefferson out.
“We’ve spent a lot of time discussing Rondale Moore and what he could bring to this team and it’s very possible that he still can… But for today, Lucky Jackson made a really, really good impression.”
Justin Jefferson Not Expected to Be in Danger of Missing Week 1 After Training Camp Injury
On Thursday, July 24, Jefferson suffered a minor left hamstring injury that saw him shut down for the day.
After further evaluation, the Vikings decided to hold him out of practice for the remainder of the week.
“We’re going to be very cautious with it,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “We’re going to hold him out for a bit and then re-evaluate him next week, when we come back later in the week. And the best thing is, we avoided anything serious.
“I see no concerns in regards to the [season] opener,” he added. “And I have no worry at all that we’ll be able to get Justin ready to go for the regular season.”
Jefferson suffered a right hamstring strain in 2023 that forced him to miss seven games.
Jordan Addison filled in for Jefferson that season and is the assumed No. 1 wide receiver in his absence at training camp currently. Jalen Nailor, in the final year of his rookie deal, steps into Addison’s spot, while Jackson appears to be the frontrunner for the third spot.
Vikings WR Camp Battle Among Most Intriguing
Image courtesy of the Minnesota VikingsVikings wide receiver Lucky Jackson
Assuming Jefferson, Addison and Nailor round out the Vikings’ top three spots on the wide receiver depth chart, the fourth spot is among the most intriguing training camp battles this summer.
Jackson has the veteran edge with his experience and knowledge of the offense. However, Moore is a unique athlete who could be used as a weapon in the screen game both outside and in the backfield.
Felton is a dark horse for the No. 4 receiver spot given his slight frame and inexperience. The Maryland speedster has the raw athleticism and a penchant for winning contested catches that could force his way into the conversation.
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