Justin Jefferson had a season to forget in 2025.
Amid quarterback play that ranged from inconsistent to downright bad, the four-time All-Pro wide receiver had the worst season of his career, tallying 84 catches for 1,048 yards and just two touchdowns.
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That was with a combination of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Hosmer throwing him the ball.
On Sunday, Jefferson was back to catching passes from Wentz thanks to a reckless first-quarter hit that left new Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray concussed. But he and Wentz didn’t take long to get on the same page.
With 2:05 remaining in the first half and the Packers holding a 12-3 lead, Jefferson ran a post route, and the Packers jumped offsides. Given a free play, Wentz did the sensible thing and threw the ball deep down the sideline to Jefferson.
Jefferson shed his defender and caught the 39-yard bomb in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.
The touchdown was Jefferson’s first since Week 8 of the 2025 season. It was his first at home since Dec. 16, 2024 in a 30-12 win over the Chicago Bears. That season, Jefferson tallied 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to first team All-Pro honors.
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Both of his touchdowns in 2025 were on the road, and he gave Vikings fan a show they hadn’t seen in nearly two years with his touchdown grab on Sunday.
It’s a welcome sight for Vikings fans, especially considering the loss of Murray to injury in Week 1. It’s unclear as of Sunday when Murray will be able to return to football.
Whomever’s playing quarterback, the Vikings count on All-Pro level production from Jefferson, who’s only 27 years old and remains one of the premier offensive weapons in football.