Kevin O'Connell speaks on star player's availability

Kevin O'Connell spoke with the media on Saturday ahead of his team's Monday Night football matchup.  Naturally, the status of star receiver Justin Jefferson was a hot topic.  O'Connell fielded several questions about Jefferson and provided some interesting insight.  To start off, O'Connell mentioned that Jefferson did more in practice this week than he has […]

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Kevin O'Connell spoke with the media on Saturday ahead of his team's Monday Night football matchup. 

Naturally, the status of star receiver Justin Jefferson was a hot topic. 

O'Connell fielded several questions about Jefferson and provided some interesting insight. 

To start off, O'Connell mentioned that Jefferson did more in practice this week than he has in recent weeks. 

"He took part in some team reps, consistent work here and there, getting him prepared if he’s able to play," explained O'Connell. "We want to find that balance where we’re not pushing him potentially too far, too soon." 

The coach was also asked about the line of communication between himself and Jefferson. O'Connell doesn't foresee a scenario in which Jefferson tries to rush back prematurely. 

"I don’t, with the way that the communication has been throughout the whole process, I don’t see that being a scenario because of how much he wants to play," the coach explained. 

O'Connell also stressed that if you asked Jefferson's teammates, they'd probably say "he sure looks ready to roll right now." 

Jefferson is listed as questionable for Monday Night Football against the rival Chicago Bears. 

Featured image via © Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports