Technically, star receiver Justin Jefferson is eligible to be activated from injured reserve. He has missed the required number of games per NFL rules, and thus, the Vikings could open his practice window at any point this week.

Asked for an update on Jefferson, who has been out with a hamstring injury, head coach Kevin O’Connell noted that he would have a better idea when the Vikings actually got on the field to prepare for a home game against the New Orleans Saints.

“It’s possible we will open up his practice window on Wednesday,,” O’Connell said. “We’re going to do what’s best for Justin and make sure that we’re doing everything responsibly.”

If the Vikings decide to open the practice window, they would then have 21 days to either activate Jefferson or shut him down for the rest of the season. He suffered the hamstring injury last month during the Vikings’ 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Notably, the Vikings haven’t lost a game since Jefferson went down, and now they are back in the NFC North race.

Though he hasn’t been able to make an impact on the field during his absence, Jefferson has been doing everything in his power to make his presence felt off the field.

“He’s mentally in it,” O’Connell said. “I just credit him for how he’s worked through it.”

Dobbs is QB1

As if there was any doubt, the Vikings will move forward this week with journeyman quarterback Josh Dobbs as the starter.

Though part of that has to do with the fact that rookie quarterback Jaren Hall is in concussion protocol, along with receiver K.J. Osborn, it would be hard to go away from Dobbs after he led the Vikings to a 31-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons this past weekend.

It will be a much different experience for Dobbs as preps for the upcoming game. He did not get any reps with the starters last week. He will get all of the reps with the starters this week.

“We can shape a game plan around what he does best,” O’Connell said. “It’s going to be exciting for our coaching staff getting to spend a little more time with him.”

Akers tears Achilles

Unfortunately for running back Cam Akers, an additional test confirmed that he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during Sunday’s game in Atlanta. This is the second time in his NFL career that he will have to recover from a torn Achilles tendon.

“He’s really enjoyed being a part of this and getting to be with that group every single day, so Cam is pretty bummed out,” O’Connell said. “He exceeded all of my expectations, and I’m just really proud of the way he’s attacked this. We’re going to be with him every step of the way in the recovery from this. This is something he’s been through before and came back remarkably fast from that.”

Now he has to do it again.

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