The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a hotly contested game with the Seattle Seahawks in which they were defeated 37-30. The Vikings took that game against a legitimate Super Bowl contender down to the wire, and that was without one of their best offensive weapons. Wide receiver Adam Thielen has been sorely missed. Will he play versus the Detroit Lions?
Thielen has been off the field since week 9 due to a hamstring issue, but a return could be on the horizon for the receiver, according to Vikings reporter Chris Tomasson.
Mike Zimmer on Adam Thielen (hamstring): “He’s frustrated. I think he’s got a good opportunity this week (to play), so we’ll see. He’s working really hard. He obviously wants to get out there with his guys. He’s a great competitor. … When he's ready, he's ready.’’
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) December 5, 2019
Thielen's return will be a nice boost for Minnesota. Although they haven't exactly struggled without him, they have missed his production. Backups Olabisi Johnson and Laquon Treadwell have been disappointments, combining for only 157 yards and one touchdown in games Thielen has missed.
With numbers like those from the supplementary receivers, one would think that the Vikings are struggling in the passing game. One couldn't be more wrong. Ever since Thielen reaggravated his hamstring against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Vikings have had two passing touchdowns in every single game. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been spectacular, falling below 250 passing yards only once in the last three games.
Fortunately for Minnesota, it isn't imperative that Adam Thielen returns in week 14. The Vikings have a home date with the lowly Detroit Lions. It's a must-win game in order for the Vikings to keep pace in the uber-competitive NFC North.
The rival Green Bay Packers lead the Vikes by a hair, and will likely maintain that lead in the standings. While a Minnesota win is likely, so is a Packers victory, as they face the Washington Redskins.
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