Vikings place star receiver Adam Thielen on COVID-19 list

Adam Thielen might not play against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

The Minnesota Vikings have had quite a rough 24 hours. Not only did they slip up and lose a very winnable game against the Dallas Cowboys, but they might need to accept the fact that star wide receiver Adam Thielen could be out for their Week 12 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

ESPN’s Field Yates has confirmed that Thielen has been placed on the COVID-19 list, leaving his availability for next Sunday in question.

Adam Thielen has continued to shine in Gary Kubiak’s offense

Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak loves to come out in 12 personnel and run the football with a back like Dalvin Cook, and that run emphasis led some to believe Thielen would regress after Kevin Stefanski left to coach the Cleveland Browns. Instead, Thielen has only confirmed what an elite receiver he is, as he is leading all of football with 11 touchdown catches. A third Pro Bowl nomination in the last four seasons isn’t out of the question just yet.

While standout rookie Justin Jefferson has already proven his talent in the pros and should be able to handle WR1 duties if Thielen ends up missing out on Sunday’s action, the Vikings passing game will be down their No. 1 target against a Panthers defense that is coming off of a shutout against the Detroit Lions. Against a young secondary that has been victimized plenty over the course of this season, Thielen could be in for a field day.

The Vikings might be 4-6, but they are still alive in the NFC playoff hunt. While they would need to essentially run the table, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. However, they need Thielen healthy and ready to dominate for that plan to potentially work, and him ending up on this list is exactly what they didn’t need right now.