Vikings’ Justin Jefferson hospitalized with chest injury after long-awaited return from hamstring injury

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The long awaited return of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson was short-lived on Sunday when the star wideout was briefly hospitalized with what head coach Kevin O’Connell called an "internal chest injury." 

Jefferson, who made his return against the Las Vegas Raiders after being sidelined with a hamstring injury since Week 4, took a hard hit from safety Marcus Epps while going up for a catch in the first half of the Vikings 3-0 victory. 

Justin Jefferson, #18 of the Minnesota Vikings, runs onto the field prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 10, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Ian Maule/Getty Images)

"It was a tough day from that standpoint," O’Connell told reporters of the injuries, adding that Jefferson sustained an "internal chest injury." 

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"We wanted to rule out any potential complications from that, so he did go to a local hospital and get evaluated, and he has since returned, and he will travel home with us."

O’Connell said he felt "encouraged" by the early evaluation, but they will have to see what this means for his availability in a short week with a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. 

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Justin Jefferson, #18 of the Minnesota Vikings, catches the ball during the first half of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 10, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Ian Maule/Getty Images)

"I thought the doctors did a great job of doing what they should in the moment, which is making sure we avoid some potentially serious