As young quarterback J.J. McCarthy has navigated the highs and lows of training camp, it’s sometimes easy to forget that he has been without his No.1 receiver Justin Jefferson for pretty much all of it.
After suffering a hamstring injury in the early stages of training camp, Jefferson has been sidelined for the past few weeks as the Vikings operated out of an abundance of caution with their best player.
The wait finally game to an end on Monday afternoon at TCO Performance Center as Jefferson returned to practice.
“It feels great to get back into the normal routine,” Jefferson said. “I’ve been itching for it.”
It wasn’t full participation for Jefferson right away as he continues to work his way back to full strength. He took part in warmups and individual drills before sitting out during 7-on-7 drills and 11-on-11 drills.
That was enough for Jefferson after being away from the game he loves for so long. He emphasized that the hardest part was watching his friends compete knowing he couldn’t be a part of the competition.
“I’m a kid at heart,” Jefferson said. “I want to be out here with the guys. I want to be playing football. I want to be in the mix.”
Now he’s back on the field where he belongs.
Here are more takeaways from Day 16 of training camp:
How is McCarthy?
After his best performance of camp last week against the New England Patriots, McCarthy experienced some growing pains in his first time going back against his teammates in practice.
There was a throw along the sideline that got tipped by cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and picked off by safety Josh Metellus. There was also a throw over the middle that was intercepted by linebacker Blake Cashman.
Though he made a couple of mistakes he’d certainly like to have back, McCarthy looked sharp at times while continuing to show confidence in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage.
Who stood out?
It’s probably time to acknowledge the connection that tight end T.J. Hockenson has developed with McCarthy. They have been on the same page in practice regardless of the situation and that has resulted in chunk plays on a daily basis.
This was no different as McCarthy found Hockenson a number of times during 7-on-7 drills with pinpoint precision.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see McCarthy lean heavily on Hockenson in the early stages of this season. It’ll be helpful for him to have a security blanket with a 6-foot-5, 250-pound frame when the play breaks down.
Quote of the day”
“I viewed it as a chance to open up some of my thinking in some of the parts of the game that don’t always get talked about. Maybe provide some insight and hook some people out there to become more fans of the Minnesota Vikings. It was an incredible positive. I had a blast.”
— Head coach Kevin O’Connell, on being mic’d up during the exhibition game Saturday.
Injury report
There was no sign of safety Harrison Smith, and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel continued to sit out. Neither of those absences seem to be long term in nature, however, and Smith and Van Ginkel are expected to be ready to go for Week 1 against the Chicago Bears.
Meanwhile, receiver Jalen Nailor is being considered week to-week with a hand injury, which is probably the biggest concern. It’s unclear if the Vikings will look outside of the building to add depth to that position group.
What’s next?
There are only a couple of practices left in camp. The exhibition game against the Tennessee Titans on Friday night at Nissan Stadium in Nashville will effectively put a bow on the summer.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 16: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings poses for a photo with K’Lavon Chaisson #44 of the New England Patriots after the NFL Preseason 2025 game at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
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