Minnesota Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since straining his right hamstring on Oct. 8.

The Vikings designated Jefferson to return from injured reserve and opened the 21-day practice window for the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday.

“Justin has done a phenomenal job in his rehab,” Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell said. “He’s still been a part of meetings. He’s mentally in it.

“We’re going to do what’s best for Justin and make sure we’re doing everything responsibly to make sure that when Justin does return, he can be the Justin Jefferson we all know and expect to see out there, and I just credit him for how he’s worked through it and through this whole process.”

Jefferson, 24, was placed on IR on Oct. 11 and has been sidelined throughout a four-game winning streak by the Vikings (5-4), who host the New Orleans Saints (5-4) on Sunday.

As for the possibility of Jefferson playing against New Orleans, O’Connell said, “Yeah, I think that would probably be a little aggressive. I think he feels really good. I think we all feel good about where he’s at. But we’re going to take it a day at a time and ultimately do what’s best for Justin and his long-term future with us here in Minnesota.”

Jefferson was injured during the second half of the Vikings’ 27-20 loss to the visiting Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5. He has 36 receptions for 571 yards and three touchdowns in five games this season.

He led the NFL in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) in 2022, making the Pro Bowl for the third time and the All-Pro first team for the first time.

If Jefferson returns this weekend, he would be rejoining a new-look offense now under the direction of quarterback Joshua Dobbs following Kirk Cousins’ season-ending Achilles injury.

–Field Level Media