Vikings rule out Justin Jefferson against Dolphins

The Minnesota Vikings ruled out wide receiver Justin Jefferson for their Week 4 game against the Miami Dolphins after he missed practice all week with a sprained left ankle. The ruling means Minnesota will be without its leading receiver for Sunday’s matchup in Minneapolis. Jefferson was injured during the first quarter of the Vikings’ Week 3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He did not practice during the week, and the team announced Friday that he would not play against Miami. The reports say he avoided a significant injury, but provide no detailed prognosis or confirmed return date. Coach Kevin O’Connell said Jefferson was feeling better and that Minnesota hoped he could return to practice the following week. O’Connell also said Jefferson could not play Sunday. The practice goal is not confirmation that Jefferson will be available for the Vikings’ next game. Jefferson has 13 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns through three games. His absence leaves Minnesota without a key part of its passing game; Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson were identified as players likely to see increased workloads.