He didn’t. Not surprisingly, it was the longest game of Jefferson and Darnold’s careers. According to Next Gen Stats, the result increased the Vikings’ probability of winning by 21.3%, even though it was only the second quarter. The Vikings did win, moving to a 2-0 season for the first time since 2016.
Jefferson was sidelined with a hamstring injury in Minnesota’s last meeting with San Francisco. He had 133 yards on four catches in that game, but had to leave the game early with a bruised quadriceps. Jefferson told reporters after the game, however, that it was nothing too serious.
“Just a little bruise on my thigh, a contusion, whatever you want to call it. That happens a lot in football,” Jefferson said. “I just have to make sure I get it right and be ready next week.”
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell described Jefferson’s behavior after his injury as day-to-day.
In addition to being 97 yards long, Jefferson’s performance was full of statistical milestones for the talent of his generation. He eclipsed the 6,000-yard mark (6,091 in his career) and made 400 pass catches, tying Hall of Famer Randy Moss for the most games with 100 or more pass catches in his first five NFL seasons (30).
Big games and big days played a big part in Jefferson’s meteoric rise.
Now he will just try to enjoy the victory and get healthy again in the next few days.
“I feel good. All in all we played fantastic,” said Jefferson. “At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is the win and I’m not seriously injured. That’s the most important thing, so now it’s just about getting in the training room and making sure my body is back in shape for next week.”
