Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell suggested Wednesday that Jefferson (hamstring) isn't likely to play Sunday against the Saints, despite being designated for return from injured reserve, Andrew Siciliano of NFL Network reports. "I think that would be a little aggressive," O'Connell said, when asked about Jefferson playing Week 10.
Jefferson will resume practicing this week, but the Vikings would still need to activate him from IR before 4 p.m. ET on Saturday in order for him to be eligible to play Sunday. At this stage of the week, O'Connell apparently isn't planning on Jefferson being in a condition to put an end to his four-game absence come Sunday. A good week of practice could change things, of course, especially with the Vikings currently sitting as the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff race after four straight wins and now facing off against a New Orleans outfit that might end up being one of their top challengers for a wild-card spot.