Vikings Elevate Anthony Barr, Don't Activate Justin Jefferson For Sunday

Jefferson won't return until Week 12 at the earliest, but he could wait until after the bye.

Author:
Will Ragatz
Updated:
Nov 18, 2023 3:46 PM EST
Original:
Nov 18, 2023

In this story:

The Vikings did not activate superstar receiver Justin Jefferson for Sunday night's game against the Broncos in Denver. He won't make his return until next weekend's Monday night game against the Bears — at the earliest.

Jefferson will miss a sixth consecutive game on Sunday due to the hamstring injury he sustained back in Week 5. The Vikings are going for their sixth consecutive victory without their best player.

It's possible Jefferson could play in Week 12 against Chicago. It's also entirely possible that the Vikings choose to rest him for that game, too, because they have a bye the following week. They're being very cautious with Jefferson, so waiting until a Week 14 return against the Raiders would give him another three full weeks to get back to 100 percent.

Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Nailor, and Brandon Powell will lead the Vikings' WR room in Denver, with tight end T.J. Hockenson likely serving as the No. 1 option in the passing game.

Barr elevated

The Vikings are elevating veteran linebacker Anthony Barr from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday night's game, according to multiple reports. He was signed earlier this week after starter Jordan Hicks landed on IR with a significant lower-leg issue.

It'll be very interesting to see how much Barr plays against the Broncos. The 31-year-old, who was previously with the Vikings from 2014-21, has been a free agent since the end of the 2022 season. He ramped up quickly this week and could provide some valuable experience and blitzing ability in Brian Flores' defense.

Rookie Ivan Pace Jr. is expected to wear the green dot and play an every-down role for the Vikings at LB.

Other Vikings roster moves on Saturday: