Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell expressed optimism on Monday regarding star receiver Justin Jefferson's return for Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
"I consider Justin day-to-day with a good chance to hopefully be with us playing on Saturday in Cincinnati," he said.
Jefferson suffered a chest injury after receiving a hard hit from safety Marcus Epps during Sunday's 3-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The standout receiver had managed a 15-yard catch before exiting the game during the second quarter.
His subsequent screenings revealed no serious issues. Jefferson was cleared of major complications at a Las Vegas hospital.
"He's doing pretty well," said O'Connell. "And it's just a matter of continuing to monitor any potential things that could arise."
The Vikings' offense currently faces challenges with injuries affecting key players. Right tackle Brian O'Neill and running back Alexander Mattison are both recovering from ankle injuries.
While neither is expected to be out for an extended period, their availability for the upcoming game remains uncertain.
Adding to the team's injury concerns, receiver Jalen Nailor is also in the concussion protocol after suffering a helmet-to-helmet hit.
On a positive note, right guard Ed Ingram could make a return this week after missing his first game on November 27 against the Chicago Bears due to a hip injury.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks is also "ahead of schedule." In November, Hicks underwent emergency leg surgery to address compartment syndrome. There is hope that the team captain could return this season, with eligibility to play on December 24 against the Detroit Lions.
Potential quarterback lineup change
The Vikings are clinging to a playoff spot despite the uncertainty surrounding their starting quarterback position. O'Connell disclosed on Monday that the team is currently deliberating on choosing a starting quarterback.
According to the coach, it's a bit premature to make the announcement. However, he expressed confidence that the decision would be reached later in the week.
"Making sure we go through a full evaluation of all the plays," O'Connell said. "Then, it's a matter of just the dialogue with the staff and making sure everybody understands really where I would like to go with the decision — and the communication with the players."
After quarterback Joshua Dobbs threw four interceptions on November 27 in a 12-10 loss to the Chicago Bears, the Vikings managed to avoid turnovers in the game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
However, after replacing Dobbs during the Bears game and benching him against the Raiders, O'Connell is now seriously considering a switch in the starting lineup for the upcoming week.
In Sunday's game against the Raiders, Dobbs struggled with a completion rate of 10 out of 23 passes for 63 yards.
Nick Mullens stepped in to replace Dobbs. He went 9 of 13 for 83 yards, leading the team to a game-winning field-goal drive. He had initially faced setbacks when sidelined with a lower back injury before returning for a second season as the primary backup to Kirk Cousins.
Cousins suffered a torn Achilles tendon in October and is recovering after surgery.