Justin Jefferson has made it clear that he will prioritize his health over playing in fantasy football games, even if it means missing out on the opportunity to return to the Minnesota Vikings. Despite pleas from fantasy football managers for him to play, Jefferson emphasized that his long-term career is more important than short-term gains.

The star wide receiver has been on the injured reserve list since Week 5 and both he and Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell have stated that he will not return until he is completely recovered. O’Connell noted that the team is ramping up Jefferson’s recovery and suggested that he might not play in the upcoming Monday night game against the Chicago Bears, in order to take advantage of the bye week that follows. If Jefferson does not return until December 10th against the Las Vegas Raiders, he could be off for a total of eight weeks.

Kevin Seifert of ESPN contributed to the report.