Mike Zimmer on Justin Jefferson: 'When we don't win a game, we're all frustrated'

Receiver Justin Jefferson's postgame comments questioning the Vikings' offensive approach were just typical second-guessing that comes immediately after a tough loss, according to coach Mike Zimmer, who on Monday said the second-year receiver wasn't "calling out anybody."

"Justin was just frustrated," Zimmer said. "Hey, we're all frustrated. When we don't win a game, we're all frustrated. We all say things 10 minutes after a game we wish we wouldn't have, but you know every time I've talked to him when he's been frustrated, he's, 'I got you, Coach, we're good, let's go.'"

"In my opinion, he just wants to win," Zimmer added, "and part of that is he wants to get the ball if he can, and I don't think he's calling out anybody. That's not the type of person he is. He's a guy that wants to go out and play and play his best every single week."

Jefferson said the Vikings should "be more aggressive" in the red zone after they came away with 20 points in five trips inside the Rams 20-yard line.

"But I'm not the one calling the plays," Jefferson said. "I'm just here to do my job and do what was told to me. But we can't get down to the red zone that many times and come out with three points [instead of a touchdown]."

Jefferson on Sunday set the NFL record for most receiving yardage in a player's first two seasons, but he didn't reach the mark until the third quarter despite needing only 21 yards. Since the Vikings took a 29-0 lead on Pittsburgh, their offense has five touchdowns and four interceptions in 10 quarters.

"Justin's a great kid," Zimmer said. "I'm sure he's just frustrated about not scoring touchdowns in the red zone. Each and every game is different down there as far as what the opponents are trying to do, so I don't worry too much about Justin. He's a great kid, great teammate. Does a lot of good things."

Cousins, Mond to be separated at team HQ

Just about every morning, Zimmer said, he receives a text telling him whether the roster and coaching staff are "all clear" or whether someone tested positive for COVID-19 and can't work. To further mitigate that risk for quarterback Kirk Cousins, who must test daily under NFL protocols because he is unvaccinated, Zimmer said the team will prevent Cousins and quarterback Kellen Mond from being in the same room at TCO Performance Center. Mond, a rookie third-round pick, was unvaccinated when he tested positive during training camp.

"We're going to try to keep them spread apart," Zimmer said.

Quarterback Sean Mannion, who is vaccinated, tested positive Sunday and remains isolated on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He needs to produce two negative tests to return; those tests can be taken at the same time under updated rules.

Cook can return by Sunday, Zimmer says

Zimmer said there is hope to get running back Dalvin Cook back by Sunday's kickoff in Green Bay. Because Cook is unvaccinated, he must remain away from the team for at least 10 days, which makes his earliest return Saturday should he test out of the protocols.

Running back Alexander Mattison recently returned from a 10-day quarantine and positive test, saying he didn't feel ill. Mattison was only "a little short-winded" against the Rams while playing for the first time since Dec. 9. He had 41 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries while starting for Cook.

"I didn't really have any symptoms at all," Mattison said, "so it was kind of hard for me to sit around and try and take care of myself the best way that I could, just preparing for any type of slack coming off that knowing that it'd be about two weeks since we last played. So just coming back, being a little short-winded from not being able to play at a high intensity, other than that felt pretty good."

Offensive lineman Oli Udoh joined Cook on the COVID list on Monday. He's the 21st player isolated by the team since the start of November. Udoh has started 14 games this season, mostly at right guard. He's vaccinated and will need to produce two negative tests before returning.