Justin Jefferson hamstring injury Vikings loss Chiefs

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said they need to diagnose Justin Jefferson's hamstring injury and are unsure of his recovery time.

The Minnesota Vikings are facing uncertainty regarding the extent of receiver Justin Jefferson's hamstring injury. Jefferson suffered the injury during the team's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Head coach Kevin O'Connell stated that the Vikings need to "diagnose exactly what that injury is" and they are unsure how much time Jefferson will miss.

During the game, Jefferson limped off the field and watched the rest of the game from the sideline with a purple towel over his head. He had three catches for 28 yards before leaving the game.

O'Connell expressed empathy for Jefferson, stating that it was tough on him. The team is working to get him back on the field as soon as possible and O'Connell believes that Jefferson will be a supportive teammate during his absence.

After leaving the game, Jefferson found receiver Brandon Powell on the sideline and encouraged him. Powell stepped up in Jefferson's absence and made an impact, converting a third down with a 13-yard catch and run. K.J. Osborn and Jordan Addison also stepped up in the receiving corps.

Addison led the Vikings with six catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. O'Connell praised Addison's performance but mentioned that he would have liked to see him play back into the defender who was interfering with him.

The Chiefs were aggressive in their defense against Jefferson, drawing multiple penalties for illegal contact. Jefferson was facing physical play throughout the game.

In addition to Jefferson's injury, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce also suffered a non-contact ankle injury but was able to return to the game.

Vikings center Garrett Bradbury played his first full game of the season after dealing with a lower back injury. He felt strong in his return and expressed his excitement to be back on the field.

Bradbury had a moment of uncertainty when long snapper Andrew DePaola tweaked his ankle and Bradbury thought he might have to step in as the long snapper. However, DePaola was able to return to the game.

The Vikings had success on fourth-down attempts, converting four out of five, including a fake punt in the second quarter. Safety Josh Metellus executed the fake punt, handing the ball off to running back Ty Chandler for a first down.

Cornerback Akayleb Evans suffered a knee injury in the third quarter but does not believe it will be a long-term issue.

Overall, the Vikings are dealing with injuries and uncertainty regarding the status of key players. They will need to assess the injuries and make adjustments moving forward.