Vikings-Bears Thursday Injury Report: Akayleb Evans, Justin Jefferson

Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. He's hoping to return for Monday night's game against the Bears after missing last week with a calf injury.

"He’ll progress, hopefully, throughout the week," Kevin O'Connell said on Monday. "I’m looking at him as questionable for the game, but he’s doing very well, got some good work in over the weekend, and we’ll see where he’s at from the standpoint of being able to go on Monday night."

With no Evans against the Broncos, rookie Mekhi Blackmon started and gave up several big plays. Blackmon has mostly had a strong debut season. Joejuan Williams also played an important role behind Byron Murphy Jr. and Blackmon. Aside from having a ball go through his hands and off his helmet for a touchdown in Week 3, Evans has had a solid second year.

Also limited on Thursday were T.J. Hockenson and Justin Jefferson. Hockenson has been dealing with bruised ribs in recent weeks, but there's no reason to think he won't be able to play against the Bears. He said on Wednesday that he's feeling better.

Jefferson, meanwhile, is not expected to make his return from a hamstring injury on Monday night. It's not out of the question that he could play, but the likely outcome is that he sits out a seventh and final game and then returns in Week 14 after the Vikings' bye.

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