The Minnesota Vikings are in must-win mode if they want to make the NFL Playoffs, but their chances at doing so took a big hit ahead of their Week 17 clash with the rival Green Bay Packers. Star wide receiver Adam Thielen has been banged up with an ankle injury of late, and the Vikings were forced to make a difficult decision on the 31-year-old. According to Ian Rapoport, the Vikings have placed Thielen on IR due to his ankle injury, putting an early end to his season.
The #Vikings have officially placed WR Adam Thielen on Injured Reserve.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2021
The loss of Thielen is a significant blow for the Vikings, as he was their clear-cut No. 2 option in the passing game, behind only Justin Jefferson. Defenses will now be able to hone in more on Jefferson without as much risk of getting burnt by Kirk Cousins and Co. With two critical games left on the slate for the Vikings, who need to win-out in order to reach the playoffs, the absence of Thielen could be truly detrimental.
Thielen's ankle had been bothering him over the past few weeks. He was sidelined in Weeks 14 and 15 by the injury, and was limited by the ailment in Week 16, featuring in just 37% of the team's offensive snaps in the game, having exited early due to his ankle.
This season, Thielen has hauled in 67 receptions for 726 yards and 10 touchdown grabs across 12 games for the Vikings. The two-time Pro Bowler will be disappointed to see his season come to an early close, and will be forced to watch from the sideline as the Vikings look to keep their playoff dreams alive.
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