EAGAN, Minn. - Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson has made it clear that he will not rush his return to the field until his injured right hamstring is fully healed. Although his window for returning to practice has opened this week, Jefferson remains focused on taking the necessary time to ensure a complete recovery.

In his first public comments since suffering the injury on October 8, Jefferson acknowledged the challenging nature of hamstring injuries. He emphasized the importance of giving it the right treatment in order to prevent it from lingering or reoccurring. The coaching staff and players in the Vikings organization have expressed their support for Jefferson's decision, understanding his value to the team and his desire to perform at 100 percent.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has echoed Jefferson's sentiments throughout the initial stages of his recovery. O'Connell noted that it would be "a little aggressive" to expect Jefferson to return for Sunday's game against the Saints, pushing his earliest possible return to November 19 when the Vikings face the Broncos. The team has until December 6, during their bye week, to add him to the active roster.

Jefferson, however, made it clear that as soon as he is fully ready, he will return to action, regardless of the team's position at that point. Despite suffering significant injuries to their top three quarterbacks, Kirk Cousins, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall, the Vikings have managed to win four consecutive games, placing them in the NFC playoff race. Of Jefferson's 360 career catches, 354 have been thrown by Cousins.

It's worth noting that Jefferson is currently playing under his rookie contract after failing to reach a contract extension agreement with the Vikings over the summer. Nevertheless, his passion for the game remains unwavering. Jefferson expressed his love for football and his determination to make a positive impact every time he steps on the field. He aims to become a Hall of Famer, highlighting his commitment to the sport.

The injury occurred when Jefferson slipped on the slit-film artificial turf at U.S. Bank Stadium. However, while he acknowledged that the turf could have played a minor role in the incident, he refused to blame it for his injury. Jefferson's main focus is on returning to his peak condition and ensuring that there are no lingering doubts or concerns throughout the season.

As the Vikings continue to compete for a playoff spot, Jefferson's patience and dedication to his recovery will be crucial. With each passing game, the team eagerly awaits his return, confident that his presence on the field will make a significant difference. Jefferson's primary objective is to reach 100 percent and make the most of every opportunity on his journey towards greatness.