Justin Jefferson hands Minnesota Vikings a big scare with recurring injury worry

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is being held out of practice after developing a mild hamstring strain, according to a team announcement.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell delivered the news along with the message that Jefferson will be re-evaluated next week. 

The announcement could frighten some Minnesota fans, who have grown used to worries about Jefferson's hamstrings many times in recent past.

During the run-up to last season, the Vikings tried playing things safe with Jefferson after he missed seven games in 2023 due to a right hamstring injury.

'I'm so scared for it to happen again that I've been overly cautious about it,' Jefferson told ESPN in 2024.

'Just trying to take care of my body in the right way, just trying to find new things that I can implement in my day-to-day life that can better help me throughout the season.

'I've definitely been working on my hamstrings a little bit more, making sure that I'm injury-proof.'

2023 was the first time that Jefferson missed a game in his NFL career, which remains true after he played every game in 2024.

Last season, he finished with 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns - including a personal-best 97-yard touchdown reception.

In the 2024 offseason, the wideout agreed to a four-year, $140million contract extension which set the record for the biggest salary for a non-quarterback.

The deal includes $110million guaranteed and $88.7m due at signing.

Jefferson isn't the first player to suffer a serious injury in NFL training camp so far.

On Thursday, New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields went down with an injury to a toe in his right foot.

The injury only turned out to be a dislocation and Fields returned to training camp with the Jets on Friday.

Minnesota opens its season on Monday Night Football on the road against the NFC North rival Chicago Bears on September 8.