Young Fan Gets Justin Jefferson to Clarify Status for Vikings-Bengals in Genuine Exchange

Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson updated his injury status in a unique way Tuesday night.

Instead of waiting for a social media post from an NFL insider or Minnesota’s injury report, Jefferson—who suffered a chest injury in the second quarter of the Vikings’ 3–0 win over the Raiders on Sunday—broke the news himself at a charity event in a heartfelt exchange with a young fan.

“You going to play on Saturday?” a young fan asked Jefferson during a holiday shopping spree for Minnesota families from The Salvation Army.

“Yes, sir,” Jefferson replied.

There it is.

Jefferson missed seven contests with a hamstring injury earlier this season. He returned Sunday against Las Vegas but didn’t make it to halftime after taking a hard hit from Raiders safety Marcus Epps.

Jefferson was taken to a local hospital for further inspection of the chest injury. On Monday, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said the star receiver was day-to-day.

Thanks to this youngster, though, Minnesota fans and fantasy football managers can expect Jefferson to play in a crucial Week 15 matchup against former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals on Saturday.