Latest update on Justin Jefferson should not stir substantial concern (yet)

Everyone wants to know when Justin Jefferson will return to practice, but clear answers are hard to come by.

Stephen Maturen/GettyImagesWith Minnesota Vikings starters not playing in the second preseason game against the New England Patriots, Justin Jefferson would not have suited up even if he were healthy and had been practicing. But the star wide receiver has not practiced in a little over three weeks, as he deals with what was deemed a mild left hamstring strain.

The nature of soft tissue injuries in general, and Jefferson's history (he missed seven games in 2023 with a right hamstring strain), makes caution the obvious choice. While it would be nice if he were on the practice field…