The Minnesota Vikings playoff hopes took a big hit last Sunday, losing to the Los Angeles Rams 30-23. The loss of the game was not the only tough news. It was reported earlier Wednesday that Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen was placed on season-ending injured reserve with an ankle injury.
Vikings have placed WR Adam Thielen on IR with a season-ending ankle injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2021
That's a huge blow to the Vikings offense. Minnesota's break out wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, has seen a lot of single coverage because of the attention Adam Thielen typically garners. That is especially true in the red zone.
On Wednesday, Thielen's teammates Dalvin Cook and Kirk Cousins reacted to the injury news. Cook seemed to be hit on a personal note. The Pioneer Press' Chris Tomasson quoted Cook: ““Prayers to my brother… Hope he heals up good. Hope he gets everything intact and gets right. Since I got here (in 2017), he’s been a true brother. … Not even football related, just being there for me. … We’re going to miss him out there on the football field.”
Quarterback Kirk Cousins talked about how the team will miss his presence, but the rest of the guys will just have to step up their games.
Making the postseason was already going to be difficult for Minnesota.
They play the Green Bay Packers Sunday. Green Bay, despite having already won the division, is still looking to clinch the overall top seed in the NFC and the only first round bye it brings. Minnesota then will face the Chicago Bears in their final game. Realistically, for the Vikings to have any shot at making the playoffs, they will need to win both games.
Follow Us
Subscribe