The Minnesota Vikings are very much in the race for the NFC North and they'll be getting one of their key offensive weapons back on Sunday. After missing last week, Adam Thielen is expected to play versus the Kansas City Chiefs per Adam Schefter.

Thielen suffered a hamstring injury in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions and was forced to miss Week 8 because of it. Initially, the Vikings were fearful that the injury would sideline him for an extended period of time.

But after undergoing an MRI, it was determined that the injury wasn't anything severe. With that being said, it appears as if Thielen only needed to sit out of one game. Luckily in the one game he missed, the Vikings were still able to pull out the victory.

Article Continues Below
More Minnesota Vikings News
Vikings legend Jim Marshall, Hall of Famer Brett Favre
Brett Favre’s heartfelt reaction to Vikings legend Jim Marshall’s passingAlex House ·
Dec 11, 1976; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall (70) against the Miami Dolphins at the Orange Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons- Imagn Images
Purple People Eaters legend who played 270 straight games passes awayZachary Draves ·
vikings, minnesota vikings
3 Minnesota Vikings hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowGarrett Kerman ·
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah speaks during a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center.
Vikings lock up GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to multi-year contract extensionBen Strauss ·
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) under center against the Las Vegas Raiders in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
JJ McCarthy hype train speeding up at OTAsScotty White ·
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) carries the ball and runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit
How ESPN projects Packers, Bears’ chances to beat out Lions in NFC NorthBen Strauss ·

Before missing Week 8, Thielen was Kirk Cousins' favorite go-to target in Minnesota's offense. In his seven starts this season, Thielen has hauled in 27 receptions for 391 yards and six touchdowns.

While Thielen was sidelined, Stefon Diggs and the team's two tight ends—Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith Jr.—were able to replace his production. Now, he'll rejoin the offense at a perfect time.

In Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes will miss his second consecutive game with a knee injury. Without Mahomes, the Vikings are favorites to win the game and Minnesota could definitely use every win they can get.

At 6-2, the Vikings are a game behind the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North. With the division race coming down to the wire, Thielen understands that every game matters.