Vikings elevate Anthony Barr for Bears game, confirm Jefferson is out

The Vikings have officially ruled out star receiver Justin Jefferson for Monday night’s game against the Bears. Minnesota also elevated linebacker Anthony Barr to the active roster.

Jefferson has missed the previous six games with a hamstring injury. Minnesota has until Wednesday to activate Jefferson to the active roster or be forced to shut him down for the season after opening his 21-day practice window on Nov. 8.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported earlier the All-Pro receiver is “very close” to a return and that Jefferson is expected to be “100% after the bye.” After Monday’s game against the Bears the Vikings have their bye week before a trip out to Vegas to take on the Raiders on Dec. 10. Waiting until after the bye week to bring Jefferson back gives him a full eight weeks of rehab before returning.

Minnesota continues to have one of the more prolific passing attacks in the league despite the absence of Jefferson and starting QB Kirk Cousins, ranking 6th in passing yards ahead of Monday’s game.

Barr returned to the Vikings as a free agent, signing earlier in November after Jordan Hicks was lost for several weeks with a leg injury that need emergency surgery after the team’s Week 10 win over the Saints. Barr had been without a team after the Cowboys released him following the 2022 season.