Vikings rule out Justin Jefferson for Dolphins with ankle injury

The Vikings will face the winless Dolphins on Sunday without their biggest weapon. Minnesota ruled out star wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle), who did not practice all week after suffering the injury in last week's win over the Buccaneers.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell announced the decision in his Friday press conference. Jefferson has been the anchor of a Minnesota passing game that has keyed a 3-0 start, catching 13 passes for 179 yards with two touchdowns through three games. Losing him against an aggressive Miami defense could slow a unit that has leaned heavily on his ability to win down the field.

The Vikings are also without Charles Demmings (hamstring) and punter Brett Thorson (right hamstring), both ruled out. With Thorson unavailable, O'Connell said veteran Johnny Hekker will be elevated from the practice squad to handle punting duties. Naming Hekker gives Minnesota a reliable fill-in, but the bigger question for Sunday is how the passing game allocates the targets Jefferson would normally command in a spot where keeping Miami winless is expected to be a priority.