Jefferson’s Passing Prowess Adds Wrinkle to…

Yet the talk of the town — or at least around Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on Thursday — wasn’t Jefferson’s catching ability.

Instead, it was his skills throwing the ball, as Jefferson attempted yet another pass Sunday against the 49ers.

The 22-year-old has now thrown three passes this season, which is tied for the second-most in a season (with Moss and Jerry Reichow) by a non-quarterback. Running back Alfred Anderson set the franchise record with seven attempts back in 1984.

“I just like to compete. I like to be in the mix, especially with a tricky play, especially with me throwing it, too,” Jefferson said. “I just love being out there making a big play and doing something for my team.

“I definitely remember the little league days of me playing quarterback, running around, throwing it on the run, so it definitely brings me back to that,” Jefferson added. “I’m used to it.”

Vikings Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak noted the unit is trying to get Jefferson involved any way possible.

“I know he’s got a good lineage, his brother played at quarterback,” Kubiak said. “I know Justin played some high school quarterback, and just seeing him before practice tossing it around, it looked pretty natural.

“I think it’s a part of his athleticism we’ve got to keep using, and he’s a good decision-maker as well,” Kubiak added. “If it’s not there, he makes good decisions as a thrower, so he just has a lot of talents, and we’ve got to keep using them all.”