Justin Jefferson hasn’t played for the Vikings since suffering a hamstring injury last month in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. That hasn’t stopped the 24-year-old receiver from being a part of the three-game winning streak the Vikings are currently riding.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Whether it’s been dapping up teammates before the win over the Chicago Bears, adorning Kirk Cousins with a gold chain after the win over the San Francisco 49ers or hanging out on the sidelines during the win over the Green Bay Packers, Jefferson has made his presence felt.

“He’s just being who he is,” Cousins said. “He’s always very much in the moment.”

That’s not something that can be taught. There’s simply a genuineness about Jefferson that has a way of bringing out the best in everybody around him. Even when he’s not playing.

Talking to reporters a few weeks ago, Cousins referenced how Michael Jordan was so good at being present, and compared it to Jefferson whenever he’s around his teammates.

“I think it helps him be a really good football player to be right there in the moment,” Cousins said. “He can just go play and block everything else out.”

Asked about Jefferson this week, tight end T.J. Hockenson praised the way he’s able to connect with everybody in the locker room. That’s a big reason Jefferson recently was named a team captain for the first time in his career.

“He’s one of a kind,” Hockenson said. “He’s everybody’s guy.”

Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see Jefferson walking the hallways of TCO Performance Center with a big smile on his face. He’s been there pretty much every day working his way back from the hamstring injury, and he knows he’s getting closer to returning.

Technically, he’s eligible to come off injured reserve next week, though head coach Kevin O’Connell did not have any details when asked about the possibility of that.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson reacts from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)

That said, O’Connell emphasized that it’s been invaluable to have Jefferson around the team over the past month. He mentioned the ascension of rookie receiver Jordan Addison and how Jefferson has played a major role in pushing him to be better every week.

“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Jordan continues to progress,” O’Connell said. “There’s an element of mentorship going on.”

It’s only a matter of time before Jefferson is back on the field. Then he’ll really be able to make his presence felt. In the meantime, the Vikings will set their sights on the Atlanta Falcons for Sunday’s game, knowing Jefferson will be there with them bringing the energy in some way, shape or form.

“He’s still pushing everybody,” Hockenson said. “It’s incredible to have a guy like that around.”

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