Magic number is 53 for Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson vs. the Packers

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Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson didn’t get through three sentences of his weekly news conference on Jan. 1 without mentioning the 1,000-yard mark that he has been slowly creeping toward.

Jefferson was asked what was on his mind entering the Jan. 4 regular season finale that will lack playoff implications for the Vikings (8-8) and Packers (9-6-1).

“To let it all out. To give it my all,” Jefferson said. “Last game of the season, last opportunity to get 1,000 yards, last opportunity to get a win for our fans, a divisional win at that. ... Of course, I want to leave this year off with a good note having five straight wins at the end of the season.”

Jefferson needs 53 yards for his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season to begin his career. It would keep him in pursuit of Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans’ NFL-record 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to begin a career. Hall of Famer Jerry Rice holds the record for most 1,000-yard receiving seasons at 14.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell has been motivated to get Jefferson across that mark. Jefferson has already got 130 targets, ranking ninth in the NFL, and an even higher-ranking 29.6% target share for a struggling aerial attack that has attempted the third-fewest throws this season.

“He’s a priority for us every week,” O’Connell said, “but this is our last opportunity, so we want to try to get him involved as much as we can.”

“There’s so many great years ahead of him, so many great games, a lot more yards to be had,” McCarthy said. “So 53 is important, but we’re just focused on that first snap.”

Learning patience and controlling emotions have been lessons that Jefferson said he’ll take from this disappointing season, his sixth without a playoff victory.

“We ain’t trying to have this type of season again,” Jefferson said. “Just requiring more from everybody, requiring more from J.J., getting with him during the offseason, having that connection and building on that connection. That’s something we have to grow.”

Jefferson was asked if he wants McCarthy to remain his quarterback.

“That’s not my job,” Jefferson said. “Of course, I would love for him to be here. I would love for him to be the quarterback. Especially off of this year, I feel like he needs to show everybody and prove to everybody that he is that top-tier quarterback. So, I would love to have him and would love to work with him and show everybody he is that number one guy, but I feel like it starts in the offseason.”

The Vikings continued to practice without tight end T.J. Hockenson (shoulder), running back Aaron Jones Sr. (hip) and returner Myles Price (ankle), who has already been ruled out vs. Green Bay.

Right tackle Brian O’Neill remains limited by the heel injury that kept him out of the Dec. 25 victory over Detroit.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur announced that quarterback Clayton Tune, the third-year passer out of Houston, will make his second NFL start against the Vikings.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love cleared the concussion protocol but will not play with Green Bay locked into the NFC’s No. 7 playoff seed. Other Packers starters are expected to be held out as well.

Desmond Ridder, who was released by the Vikings from their practice squad last month, signed with Green Bay on Wednesday, and LaFleur said there’s a possibility Ridder could be active for the season finale.