Is Justin Jefferson Playing Today in Vikings vs. Titans Preseason Game?
Justin Jefferson returned to practice on Wednesday after being sidelined for over three weeks. The Minnesota Vikings wide receiver was mending the mild hamstring strain he suffered only a few days into the training camp.
Although his Week 1 start against the Chicago Bears was never in question, Jefferson did not practice for most of the preseason. He also missed the first two preseason games. The Vikings are set to face the Tennessee Titans in the preseason finale on Friday.
Fans are hoping to see the superstar WR in action at least once before the NFL season kicks off. However, NFL insider Kevin Seifert shared a disappointing update about the Vikings' head coach, Kevin O'Connell's plans for Friday.
According to Seifert, the Vikings' starters had a rigorous practice session on Thursday. They engaged in a scrimmage-like practice with many reps. The NFL insider followed up with another speculation.
"The Vikings didn't confirm this, but the strong inference after seeing how much work the starters got today is that Friday night in Tennessee will be almost all or entirely second- and third-team players," Seifert wrote.
The four-time Pro Bowler is participating in a limited capacity. The Vikings' HC praised Jefferson for his efforts to get back to the gridiron.
"He's done such a good job with building his strength and doing the work with the medical team and the strength team that I think he feels like he's pretty darn close and ready to go," O'Connell said about Jefferson's recovery.
Jefferson's first game with J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings' new quarterback, is set to be the team's NFL season opener. The duo hasn't had many reps together in the past month and might struggle with chemistry.
When and Where to Watch Vikings vs. Titans Preseason Game?
The Titans will host the Minnesota Vikings at 8 PM ET on Friday, August 22, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The Vikings are coming off a 20-12 loss against the New England Patriots, while the Titans won their last preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Fans can tune in to CBS to catch the game live. Andrew Catalon will handle play-by-play duties, with Charles Davis and Jason McCourty as analysts and A.J. Ross as the sideline reporter. Vikings' fans can also watch the game on WCCO in the Twin Cities. Nashville affiliate WTVF NewsChannel 5 will air the game in Tennessee.
