Justin Jefferson returned to Vikings practice for the first time since a July hamstring tweak, signaling a clear path toward full-speed Week 1 against Chicago. He emphasized leadership growth during rehab, spoke about the system clicks with J.J. McCarthy, and highlighted teammates like Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson as progressions unfold. The session showed a cautious ramp with non-11-on-11 work, underscoring Minnesota’s plan to ease him in over three weeks before the opener while juggling several other injury notes across the roster.

Protein-sharp questions loom for fantasy: how fast Jefferson will reestablish his elite target share, how Addison’s role shifts with Jefferson back, and how the Vikings’ early-season ramp affects upside for multiple pass-cenders. Minnesota’s injury picture remains fluid, but Jefferson’s return is the headline upgrade with potential ripple effects for Addison, Hockenson, Nailor and the overall offense as Chicago awaits.