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Justin Jefferson's Breakout May Be Coming After Bengals Final Injury Report

By Chris Schad

Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) warms up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) warms up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images / Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
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The Minnesota Vikings haven’t looked right on offense over the first two weeks, and one of the biggest discrepancies has been Justin Jefferson’s production. Jefferson is still one of the most feared targets in the league and someone defenses have to account for anytime they head to Minnesota. But his line of seven catches for 125 yards and a touchdown is something fans would expect in a single game, let alone two of them.

With Carson Wentz filling in for an injured J.J. McCarthy, getting Jefferson going should be the top priority when the Cincinnati Bengals come to town. Fortunately for the All-Pro, the Bengals’ final injury report could be enough to fuel Jefferson’s breakout performance as ESPN’s Ben Baby reports starting cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt will be doubtful for Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury.

Cam Taylor-Britt’s Injury Could Lead to Monster Game for Justin Jefferson

Taylor-Britt has been one of Cincinnati’s best corners over the past three seasons, posting an overall grade of 63.6 last season according to Pro Football Focus. While the 25-year-old had a miserable season debut, allowing six catches on 76 yards and a touchdown on seven targets in a Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns, he rebounded nicely, making two pass breakups on three targets before exiting last week’s game with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Those numbers probably aren’t enough to strike fear into Jefferson, but it’s a better alternative than what the Bengals will trot out. D.J. Turner could draw the assignment against Jefferson, but has allowed five catches for 77 yards and a touchdown with an interception and two pass breakups on 10 targets through the first two games. Dax Hill is also Cincinnati’s top-graded cornerback at 78.3, but has allowed 15 receptions for 126 yards on 19 targets while primarily playing in the slot.

If this is the state of the Bengals’ secondary, it should provide motivation for Jefferson. Jefferson hasn’t been bad through two games, but he’s looked human due to McCarthy’s inconsistency at quarterback and an offensive line that badly needs Christian Darrisaw to return. Even if Wentz is limited in what he can do on Sunday, the idea of chucking it up to No. 18 seems even more beneficial going up against a battered Bengals secondary.

Jefferson will want to do everything possible to help the Vikings improve to 2-1 on Sunday. With an exploitable matchup and his college teammate Ja’Marr Chase on the opposing sideline, there should be more than enough to help this former LSU Tiger break out of his cage against the Bengals.

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