The rundown: Justin Jefferson's passes, Ryan Ficken's research and DTs reunited

Plus, injury designations for Sunday's game

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By Sam Ekstrom

EAGAN — There’s not a ton of hype for this Sunday’s game nationally, or even locally, but it remains a massive contest for the Minnesota Vikings’ playoff hopes.

A win for the Vikings coupled with a Washington loss at Las Vegas would push Minnesota’s playoff probability to 63 percent, per FiveThirtyEight.com.

That said, it’s still Lions Week, which usually elicits a few storylines off the beating path, like Justin Jefferson doing his best quarterback impression.

That’s where we start today’s rundown:

Justin Jefferson, QB

The Vikings haven’t been shy in recent weeks of getting a little tricky. Fake punts, flea flickers and offensive linemen running routes have all been on the table, as has the wide receiver toss.

Justin Jefferson has now attempted three passes this year, completing two, including last week’s feed to Dalvin Cook for a 24-yard gain. Earlier in the year he completed a ball to K.J. Osborn for Osborn’s first career catch.

“I know Justin played some high school quarterback,” said offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak of the genesis of the idea, “and just seeing him before practice tossing it around, it looked pretty natural.”

Jefferson’s brother Jordan was a former college quarterback, so maybe it’s in the bloodlines.

“I’ve been throwing the football all my life,” Jefferson said. “That kind of comes naturally, just like catching the football. Me and Adam [Thielen] throw the football every single day. It’s all about just practicing it, seeing it in practice, making sure everybody is on the same page, and when it comes to the game, I’m confident enough to make the play, make the throw.”

Jefferson has 35 passing yards on the season and a passer rating of 106.2, just a hair above Kirk Cousins’ 105.3. When told the information, Jefferson had a quip ready.

“They might as well sign me to a new contract,” he said. “Might as well get some more money while I can.”