Eclipses century mark in opener

Thielen brought in six of 12 targets for 102 yards in Sunday's 24-16 win over the 49ers.

Analysis: Thielen drew even with Dalvin Cook for the team lead in receptions while pacing the team in receiving yardage. The fifth-year receiver was only able to bring in half of his passes from new quarterback Kirk Cousins, but the two displayed solid rapport overall and figure to only up their chemistry as the season unfolds. Thielen will look to build on a productive season-opening effort in a divisional clash Week 2 against the Packers.

Good to go for Week 1

Thielen (leg) wasn't listed on the Vikings' Week 1 injury report Wednesday.

Analysis: Thielen appeared to turn his ankle at practice last Tuesday, but a source quickly downplayed its severity, telling Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune that it wasn't a "long-term concern." In the meantime, the Vikings released Kendall Wright, which has opened the door for Thielen to work in the slot in three-wideout formations while operating on the outside when just he and Stefon Diggs are on the field. With his health not in question, Thielen is ready for a generous dose of snaps…read more

Positioned for regular slot work

Thielen (leg) likely will spend a lot of time in the slot this season, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Analysis: There was reason to believe Thielen would spend more time working outside in three-wide formations after the Vikings signed slot specialist Kendall Wright, who ultimately was released Saturday after losing out to Laquon Treadwell in a battle for the No. 3 receiver job. Thielen thus figures to reprise his role from last season, taking outside snaps in two-WR formations and frequently shifting to the slot when the Vikings go three-wide. The 28-year-old wide receiver suffered a minor leg injury at…read more

Severity of injury downplayed

Thielen (leg) isn't believed to be dealing with a "long-term concern," Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Per Krammer, Thielen is "good" after hurting his left leg at Tuesday's practice. Backing up this source, Thielen walked off the field under his own power. Any injury of particular severity would elevate Stefon Diggs to the top of the wide receiver depth chart, but Thielen has plenty of time to get healthy in advance of the Vikings' regular-season opener Sunday, Sept. 9 versus the 49ers.

Turns ankle in practice

Thielen turned his ankle during practice Tuesday, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Per the report, Thielen was able to walk off on his own power, but the issue forced him to leave Tuesday's practice, at which point Kendall Wright took first-team wideout reps in Thielen's place.

Four receptions Friday

Thielen had four receptions for 26 yards on six targets in Friday's preseason win over Seattle.

Analysis: Thielen and Kirk Cousins haven't seemed to get in sync during the preseason, but we wouldn't be too worried as Thielen should be a key cog in the offense once the regular season begins.

No receptions Saturday

Thielen didn't have a reception despite three targets in Saturday's preseason loss to Jacksonville.

Analysis: We wouldn't get too worried as Minnesota's first-string offense looked flat against a tough defense in their four series. Thielen has meshed well with new quarterback Kirk Cousins by all accounts in training camp, so we wouldn't want to read much into his preseason stats.

Thielen and fellow wideout Stefon Diggs traveled to Atlanta in early April to spend time with new Vikings starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis: Thielen finished the 2017 regular season on a low note and played through a pair of minor back fractures in the playoffs, but he seems to have made good on his stated expectation that he wouldn't have any restrictions during the offseason. He can now turn his focus toward building chemistry with Cousins and new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo, hoping to replicate -- or even exceed -- his 2017 campaign. The 27-year-old wideout finished fifth in the NFL in receiving yards (1,276) and eighth…read more

Thielen confirmed Wednesday that he played through a pair of back fractures in the Vikings' NFC championship loss to the Eagles on Jan. 21 but doesn't expect to face any limitations during the offseason, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Thielen, who caught three passes for 28 yards on nine targets against the Eagles, went on to suit up for the NFC in the Pro Bowl last weekend, which seemingly supports the notion that his back injury isn't especially worrisome. The wideout said he doesn't anticipate any scheduling setbacks in the months leading up to Organized Team Activities and training camp, setting him up for a rather normal offseason.

Active for NFC championship

Thielen (back) is active for Sunday's NFC championship game in Philadelphia.

Analysis: Thielen's limitations in preparation for this outing were blamed on a generic lower back injury. On Sunday afternoon, though, Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune reported Thielen is nursing "back fractures," an issue that "is not insignificant." Per Krammer, Thielen subsequently ran routes during pregame warmups, likely to get a gauge on what he can handle. Although Thielen is available, he could cede snaps to Jarius Wright, Laquon Treadwell and Michael Floyd next to Stefon Diggs in the base…read more

Attempting to play with 'back fractures'

Thielen will attempt to play through back fractures during Sunday's NFC championship game at Philadelphia, Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: When Thielen made his initial appearance on the injury report Wednesday, he was limited with a lower back injury. He maintained the activity level throughout the week, but the nature of his issue wasn't touched on again as he earned a questionable tag for the contest. With his health clarified, Thielen's workload may depend on pain tolerance, as the injury "is not insignificant," per NFL media. Assuming he's active, he'll almost certainly start, but Stefon Diggs and Kyle Rudolph would be in…read more

Slated to play Sunday vs. Eagles

Thielen (lower back), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's NFC championship game against the Eagles, is set to play in the contest, a source informed Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Analysis: An official announcement on Thielen's status should come when the Vikings reveal their inactives approximately 90 minutes before the 6:40 p.m. EST matchup, but it looks like he isn't in any serious peril of missing his first game of the season. Thielen was only able to put in two limited practices during the week, though those restrictions may have only been in place to avoid a potential setback heading into Sunday. Expect the wideout, who logged six catches for 74 yards in last week's…read more

Listed as questionable

Thielen (lower back) will be listed as questionable for Sunday's NFC championship game against the Eagles.

Analysis: Thielen returned to practice in a limited fashion Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's session, and given the magnitude of Sunday's contest, we'd expect him to suit up this weekend barring any setbacks. Thielen was on the field for 77 of a possible 81 snaps on offense in last Sunday's divisional-round win over the Saints, en route to hauling in six of nine targets for 74 yards. Assuming he plays against the Eagles, Thielen would be in line to start at wideout for the Vikings opposite Stefon…read more

Returns to practice Thursday

Thielen (lower back) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

Analysis: The listing follows Thielen's return to drills, signaling he's taking the necessary steps to ensure he's available for the NFC championship game. Ultimately, Friday's injury report will have the final say on his potential to suit up Sunday, when the Vikings will be facing the Eagles' 17th-ranked pass defense.

Tending to lower back injury

Thielen didn't practice Wednesday due to a lower back injury.

Analysis: During the open portion of practice, Thielen watched from the side without a helmet in hand, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com. However, the notion that Thielen's absence was maintenance-related was backed up by Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com, who relayed the injury "is not believed to be serious." Ultimately, the next two days will provide an indication of Thielen's availability for Sunday's NFC championship game at Philadelphia.

Not practicing Wednesday

Thielen (undisclosed) wasn't active at the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: While he was in attendance, Thielen wasn't holding a helmet, so it appears he's getting the day off for one reason or another. If his health is compromised, it will be revealed upon the release of Wednesday's injury report.

Thielen caught six of nine targets for 74 yards during Sunday's 29-24 NFC divisional-round victory over the Saints.

Analysis: Thielen's stat line doesn't do his performance justice given the difficulty of some his receptions coupled with the strong coverage he consistently saw from the Saints' respectable secondary. Arguably his biggest moment came in the game's closing minutes when Thielen fought through two separate defensive penalties to haul in a 23-yard pass and set up what was then considered a potential game-winning field goal. Although teammate Stefon Diggs stole the spotlight with his stunning 61-yard…read more

Thielen caught two of six targets for 24 yards during Saturday's 16-0 victory over the Packers.

Analysis: Thielen was one of two Vikings players with more than two targets as Case Keenum attempted just 25 passes on the evening. He broke off a 21-yard gain at one point, but his other reception went for just three yards as he notched a season low in that category. Thielen has enjoyed a tremendous breakout campaign, but his performance during the fantasy playoffs -- 54 yards on five catches over the last two weeks -- has likely left fantasy owners disappointed. He'll look to finish off the campaign…read more

Thielen had three receptions on five targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 34-7 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: Thielen and Minnesota's receivers had a low-key game after it quickly became a blowout with the running game getting most of the action. He'll likely be a bigger focus of the offense next week at Green Bay.

Thielen (knee) doesn't have a designation on the final injury report for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Analysis: Thielen was limited at Wednesday's practice but returned to full participation Thursday and Friday. Already accounting for 27.9 percent of the Vikings' targets, Thielen could push for an even higher portion this weekend in the likely absence of TE Kyle Rudolph (ankle-doubtful).

Full practice Thursday

Thielen (knee) practiced fully Thursday.

Analysis: Thielen made a surprise appearance on Wednesday's injury report, getting tabbed as a limited participant due to a knee issue. With his elevation to a full session Thursday, the previous day's limitations appear to have been maintenance-related. Thielen will now focus on a Bengals defense Sunday that has allowed 150.5 receiving yards per game and three touchdowns to wideouts over the last six contests.

Limited with knee issue

Thielen was listed as a limited participant during Wednesday's practice with a knee injury, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: There were no indications that Thielen was hurting following Sunday's 105-yard, one-touchdown effort in a loss to the Panthers, so it's presumed that his limitations Wednesday were primarily for maintenance-related reasons. Assuming Thielen gains clearance to suit up Week 15 against the Bengals, he'll take aim against a banged-up Cincinnati defense that surrendered 25 completions and 271 passing yards last week to Bears rookie Mitch Trubisky, who had previously surpassed the 200-yard barrier in…read more

Thielen caught six of 13 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-24 loss to Carolina.

Analysis: Thielen was the intended target on an opening-drive Case Keenum interception and dropped a would-be four-yard touchdown in the front corner of the end zone just before halftime. He seemed to make amends two plays later, but further review revealed that he failed to possess the ball to the ground, resulting in his second dropped touchdown of the drive. Thielen's 52-yard score in the fourth quarter erased any ill will Vikings fans or fantasy owners had after his poor performance in the first…read more

Thielen caught four of five targets for 51 yards during Sunday's 14-9 win over the Falcons.

Analysis: Thielen hauled in all but one of the passes thrown his way, but limited targets and a few short gains limited him to his fourth-lowest yardage output of the season. Still, he tied for the team lead in targets as Case Keenum spread the ball around to nine different pass catchers. Thielen had averaged an impressive 119 yards per game over the previous four and will look to get back on track next week against the Panthers.

Busy in win over Lions

Thielen caught eight of 11 targets for 89 yards during Thursday's 30-23 win over Detroit.

Analysis: While it's a little disappointing that Thielen's touchdown streak ended at three games, this checks out as another solid showing from the go-to receiver. He's up to 27 receptions, 476 yards and three scores through the past four weeks, and he's also paced the Vikings in targets during that stretch. With reliable receivers in decline across the league, Thielen checks out as a rare option who can be started confidently week in, week out.

Thielen brought in six of nine targets for 123 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-7 win over the Rams.

Analysis: Thielen provided the highlight of the day when he took a short Case Keenum pass 65 yards to pay dirt in the fourth quarter, giving the Vikings a commanding 20-7 lead. The fourth-year wideout continues to serve as Minnesota's most consistent big-play threat, and he's now posted back-to-back 100-yard receiving efforts while also logging a touchdown in three straight contests. Thielen has seen less than eight targets only once all season as well, rendering him one of the most dependable fantasy…read more