Vikings WR Justin Jefferson ruled out with ankle sprain for Week 4 game vs. Dolphins

While the Minnesota Vikings have had a revolving door at quarterback of late, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson has mostly been a constant for their offense since he was drafted 22nd overall out of LSU in 2020.

The four-time All-Pro played in every Vikings regular-season game in five of his first six full seasons in the NFL.

Jefferson's availability was jeopardized during a 23-16 road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, when he suffered a left ankle sprain on the game's first drive .

Although the 27-year-old wideout avoided a long-term injury, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell, he was ruled out for Sunday's home game versus the rebuilding Miami Dolphins .

Jefferson will miss his first game since 2023. That season, he was sidelined for seven straight outings with a hamstring injury .

Despite being out the majority of the Vikings' Week 3 victory against the Bucs, Jefferson still leads the team with 179 receiving yards. He's amassed that yardage on 13 receptions, two of which have resulted in touchdowns.

Jefferson is in pursuit of his seventh consecutive 1,000-yard receiving campaign. In 2022, he posted a league-leading 128 catches and an NFL-best 1,809 receiving yards. He earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors for his prolific efforts.

The Vikings are hoping their 2026 QB1, Kyler Murray, will maximize Jefferson's skill set. Because of the concussion Murray sustained early in the season opener and Jefferson's ankle issue, those two have hardly been on the field together so far.

They teased their rapport last week in Tampa Bay, however. Jefferson hauled in a 22-yard grab on the first play from scrimmage. The play he got hurt on saw him take a screen pass 10 yards to set up a 54-yard Will Reichard field goal.

In Jefferson's absence, Murray turned in an uneven performance, albeit with some promising throws to fourth-year wideout Jordan Addison. They hooked up for a 41-yard score in the second quarter.

Fortunately for the 3-0 Vikings, they're going up against a Dolphins secondary that's struggled mightily through three weeks. No team is giving up more net yards per pass attempt (9.1) than Miami this season .

Minnesota will take on the Saints in New Orleans in Week 5 before a Week 6 bye.