After activating Justin Jefferson, the Vikings re-sign the former first-round wide receiver
Following his release last week to make room for Justin Jefferson on the active roster, the Minnesota Vikings have re-signed N’Keal Harry, a former first-round choice.
On Tuesday, December 4, Minnesota was able to re-sign Harry to the practice squad after he was waived on November 28 and cleared waivers during the bye week.
As a size-speed threat in a loaded wide receivers room, Harry, the 32nd overall choice by the New England Patriots in the 2019 draft, shone during the Vikings’ preseason. Nine games this season have seen the 6-foot-4, 225-pound receiver play for the Vikings.
The most significant increase in usage occurred with veteran Brandon Powell, who played all but five of his 323 offensive snaps from Week 5 and later. In those nine weeks, he caught 24 catches for 264 yards and a score (the game-winning play against the Atlanta Falcons).
K.J. Osborn, Jordan Addison, Jefferson, Powell, and Jalen Nailor and Trishton Jackson are still listed behind them.
With Justin Jefferson, the Vikings offense will look different.
The Vikings offense has experienced significant modifications as it has adapted to Kirk Cousins’ absence in addition to Jefferson’s.
Only the second time in his career will Jefferson start a game without Cousins at quarterback against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in Week 14.
Who that quarterback is is still up in the air. If the Vikings decide to remain with Josh Dobbs, Jefferson will have more flexibility to use Dobbs’ scrambling abilities for improvisation. Nick Mullens, who is a far better fit for Cousins and the Vikings offense, is another option Minnesota has.
For the next five games of the regular season, Jefferson will play a significant role in helping the Vikings stay in the thick of the postseason chase, regardless of who is throwing the ball.
Kevin O’Connell will select the quarterback who can reliably and punctually pass the ball to Jefferson coming ahead.
According to ESPN, O’Connell stated on November 28 that “Justin’s role in our offense, really from Day 1 since we arrived here, has always been very, very significant.” “There will be ways to not just get Justin going and make sure he has a critical impact on the football game—[and] the quarterback position obviously plays into that—anytime you can reintroduce the best receiver in football into your scheme.
“Whoever is playing quarterback will need to know and comprehend the playcalling behind plays in which Justin is the primary target or, depending on coverage and the defensive look, how to get to the ball location quickly and effectively.
Ultimately, rhythm, timing, and realizing that the defense can and will take some things away are what make up the NFL passing game.
In Week 14, the Vikings are favored over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Vikings’ chances of beating the Raiders in Week 14 witnessed a sharp increase following Jefferson’s comeback.
Major bookies put the Vikings as 3-point favorites on Sunday, but Minnesota is a 6-point favorite according to Heavy’s projection engine, Quarter4, with Jefferson likely to make his way back into the lineup after missing seven games.
With neither team’s starting quarterback, a low-scoring game is still anticipated.
Aidan O’Connell, a fourth-round rookie who is 2-3 as a starter and has thrown six interceptions and four touchdowns this season, is anticipated to start for Las Vegas. With him as the center, the Raiders have just once scored more than 20 points.
