No Justin Jefferson Assumptions for Bears

Assumptions are not possible for the Bears at this point.

However, it's looking less likely already that they could be facing Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson Sunday due to a hamstring injury, although it's very early in the week. Either way, the Bears are sure to prepare like he's playing.

Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters the team almost must "...protect (Jefferson) from himself a little bit in a way where we've got to take care of him and get him back to 100%."

This doesn't sound like someone who's going to be ready to play in Sunday's game after he left for the final 21 offensive plays of the Week 5 Vikings loss to Kansas City.

"You have to prepare as if he’s going to play," coach Matt Eberflus said Monday. "You always have to be ready for that. One of the most dynamic receivers in the league, so you’ve always got to prepare for that.”

Jefferson has 41 catches for 585 yards and two touchdowns in six games against the Bears. He only played part of the season finale last year as the Vikings were resting players to get ready for the playoffs.

Jefferson is a receiver who impresses and the Vikings have complemented him this year with wide receiver Jordan Addison. They also have K.J. Osborn and Brandon Powell as potential targets.

"Just he's powerful and he's just fluid," Eberflus said of Jefferson. "How they keep him on the move and they do a really good job with him. He's strong through the catchpoint, just a very dynamic player, one of the best in the league at that position."

O'Connell had one other comment about Jefferson that sounded even less like he'd be available.

"We're going to do what's best for Justin and make sure we give him the treatment and plan that is a big-picture positive for him," O'Connell said.

Is a game in October at Soldier Field against the 1-4 Bears worthy of the big picture for the 1-4 Vikings?

It would seem not.

"Everybody sees the stats and the things that he's done," Bears cornerback Greg Stroman said. "So definitely we respect him and we're going to go out and put our best foot forward."

Twitter: BearDigest@BearsOnMaven