Jefferson hurt early, later ruled out by Vikings due to ankle injury
Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a first-quarter injury to his left ankle.
This is a huge blow to the Vikings, who are already facing a tough matchup against the Buccaneers. Justin Jefferson is not only a star receiver, but a key part of Minnesota's offense, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt. Ankle injuries can be tricky, and it's unclear at this point how severe the injury is or how long Jefferson might be out.
The Vikings will have to rely on their other receiving corps to step up in a big way, which could be a challenge. K.J. Osborn and Adam Thielen will likely see increased targets, but replacing Jefferson's production won't be easy. This injury also raises questions about the Vikings' overall depth and ability to overcome adversity.
The next thing to watch is the severity of Jefferson's ankle injury and how long he might be out. The Vikings will likely provide an update on his status after the game, and fantasy football owners will be anxiously awaiting news on his expected return to action. We'll also be keeping an eye on how the Vikings adjust their game plan without Jefferson on the field.
Originally reported by espn.com. GambleWire adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.