Justin Jefferson has continued his prolific play so far during the start of the 2026 NFL regular season. Jefferson matched his entire touchdown production from last year in Week 1 alone, hauling in two touchdowns on eight catches for 92 yards.
Early in the opening drive in Minnesota’s Week 3 game against Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jefferson suffered a left ankle sprain. The Vikings won the matchup 23-16, but their 27-year-old had to leave the game early. The four-time All-Pro finished the game with two catches for 32 yards. Now, after two straight road games, Minnesota will host the winless Miami Dolphins for Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season.
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It appears that head coach Kevin O’Connell will have to rely on other pass catchers, such as wide receiver Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson, as Jefferson has been officially ruled “out” for the game against Miami.
The Vikings are led by their vaunted defense and aggressive defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who has his squad sitting at or near the top for almost all defensive statistics so far in 2026. Minnesota is No. 2 in the league with 13.7 points per game allowed and is first in sacks (14), QB pressure rate (46.7%) and red zone TD rate (11.1%).
The Dolphins are led by first-year head coach Jeff Hafley, who was previously the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. Newly signed quarterback Malik Willis and running back De’Von Achane have struggled this season, with Willis having more interceptions (2) than touchdown passes (1) and Achane averaging less than 4 yards per carry with his 127 yards rushing on 34 carries (3.7 average).
Minnesota will host Miami at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET, with coverage on FOX.
