The Panthers may be a bit banged up themselves, but they’re catching a break when they visit the Vikings on Sunday.
According to a report by Jeremy Fowler at ESPN, Minnesota’s star wide receiver Adam Thielen is not expected to play in this matchup. He is currently on the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list. Losing Thielen would be a big blow for the Vikings offense, as he leads the NFL with 11 receiving touchdowns this season.
If Thielen does have to sit out, it will allow the Panthers defense to focus more on stopping Minnesota’s other dangerous wide receiver threat. Rookie Justin Jefferson has caught 45 of his 59 targets from Kirk Cousins so far, totaling 848 yards and four touchdowns. He currently leads the league in yards per route run, edging out elite receivers like Julio Jones and Davante Adams.
Guard Ezra Cleveland and defensive end Jordan Brailford have already been ruled out for Minnesota.
