Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson cleared to return after missing nearly 2 months with hamstring injury

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One of the elite players in the NFL, Justin Jefferson, has been activated from injured reserve, paving the way for the All-Pro wide receiver's return to action following an extended layoff due to a hamstring injury.

Jefferson has missed the last seven Minnesota Vikings games, and on Monday he watched his team suffer a two-point loss to their division rival Chicago Bears. The Vikings will enjoy a bye this week, giving Jefferson additional time to work his way back into the starting lineup.

After the off week, the Vikings will travel to Las Vegas for a Dec. 10 matchup with the Raiders. Jefferson was named the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 after he racked up more than 1,800 receiving yards. He also received First-team All-Pro honors.

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Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Jefferson was close to suiting up for Monday's night game against the Bears, but the team ultimately decided to target Week 14 for his return.

"Justin was close to having a chance of going last night, but the best thing for him and for our team moving forward was to get through the bye and ultimately have him at 100% coming out of the bye as we take on the Raiders on the road," O’Connell said.

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Jefferson returned to practice on Nov. 8 and said last week he was reaching "top speeds." If Jefferson weren’t