Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson ruled out for Dolphins game

Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson will not play in Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins, coach Kevin O'Connell announced Friday.

Jefferson, who hurt his ankle Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, did not practice this week. O'Connell told reporters that the Vikings will try to get Jefferson back into practice next week.

"He's definitely feeling better," O'Connell said. "I think we are encouraged about where he's at, but just couldn't get there."

Jefferson leads the Vikings with 13 catches, 179 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season. He drew 17 targets through the first three weeks of his 2026 campaign.

Tai Felton, Jeshaun Jones and Myles Price are the Vikings' backup wide receivers, behind Jefferson and fellow starters Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings.

Addison logged a game-high 90 yards and a score off five catches in the Vikings' 23-16 win Sunday in Tampa, Fla.

O'Connell said Friday that cornerback Charles Demmings and punter Brett Thorson, who sustained hamstring injuries, also are out for the Vikings' Week 4 meeting with the Dolphins.

The Vikings will promote punter Johnny Hekker to their active roster for Sunday's matchup, which will kick off at 4:05 p.m. EDT in Minneapolis.