This is one way of looking at things.
The reason Justin Jefferson's hamstring injury is a good thing for the Vikings originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Minnesota Vikings don't have Justin Jefferson running plays with the offense right now in training camp. All he can do is hang off to the side with a hamstring injury.
That might not be a bad thing, though.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler spent time at Vikings camp and reported that insight as one of his findings.
"My sense is that some with the Vikings are sort of relieved he can rest up during a long camp," Fowler writes. "He could get some practice work this week, but expect Minnesota to slowly ease him back."
Head coach Kevin O'Connell told Fowler that "Justin wants to get back on the field," which is only natural.
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But it's easy to see why Minnesota wouldn't want to rush him back, and also why they wouldn't want to overwork him in August when his most important work hopefully comes in December and beyond.
Jefferson's absence also allows other players to step up.
Fowler writes that it's Jalen Nailor doing the heavy lifting without JJ.
"Jalen Nailor is getting a lot of love at camp," Fowler writes. "When I asked O'Connell about players picking up the slack in Jefferson's absence, he was quick to mention Nailor. 'We're looking for 'Speedy' to pick up where he left off last year,' O'Connell said. Nailor had 134 receiving yards in the final two regular-season games."
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The Vikings need their receiving corps to be sharp this season. It's J.J. McCarthy's first chance as starting QB after missing his entire rookie season with a knee injury.
There's really no competition for McCarthy's job since Sam Darnold is now in Seattle, but there's still pressure on the former Michigan star to maintain the momentum that the Vikings had last season.
Jefferson, Nailor, Jordan Addison and the rest of the pass catchers will go a long way toward helping that cause.
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