The Minnesota Vikings will be back in front of their home crowd Sunday afternoon when the Detroit Lions head into U.S. Bank Stadium for a divisional matchup. All signs are pointing towards the Vikings not having one of their star receivers for the fourth consecutive week.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Thielen will not be playing against the Lions, but there is a chance he will be back for their trip to Los Angeles.
The Vikings offense has been the crutch to this team, something fans are not used to seeing with Mike Zimmer as the head coach. However, Thielen’s absence has been noticed in situations where the Vikings need to get the ball downfield.
Kirk Cousins has been playing MVP worthy football and has made the most out of the weapons he has. The tight ends, Stefon Diggs, Bisi Johnson and the run game have all helped carry the offense in the absence of Thielen, but getting the homegrown talent back in the lineup should only make the Vikings quarterback stronger.
After the game against the Lions, the Vikings finish the season against three solid defenses. The addition of Thielen will play a critical role to the success this team has at their attempt to make a push for the playoffs.
