Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen picked up the slack as the team was without Stefon Diggs on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
When it was announced on Friday that a groin injury would keep wide receiver Stefon Diggs out for the Minnesota Vikings in their Week 6 matchup with the Green Bay Packers, many wondered which Vikings pass-catcher would step up in his absence.
It did not take very long for that question to get answered on Sunday.
Coming into this week, Adam Thielen was Minnesota’s leader in receptions and he earned that title again on Sunday against the Packers. Thielen led all Vikings pass-catchers this week with 13 targets, nine catches, and 97 receiving yards.
His day would have been even better too if he were able to hold onto a hail-mary pass at the end of the first half.
Great shot by our guy Brian Curski. Thielen nearly hauled in that Hail Mary. pic.twitter.com/h1RBUn0ZoP
— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) October 15, 2017
The fourth-year receiver was the favorite target of Minnesota quarterback Case Keenum all day against Green Bay. When Keenum needed to extend a Vikings offensive drive, he looked in the direction of Thielen, as five of the receiver’s nine catches on Sunday resulted in a first down.
Thielen was still unable to get into the end zone for the first time this season, but his performance on Sunday definitely played a factor in the team putting 24 points up on the scoreboard.
After this week, the Minnesota receiver has now caught 38 passes for 489 yards this season. At his current pace, Thielen should be able to finish the year with at least 95 catches and 1,200 receiving yards.
Next: Vikings' ups and downs from Week 6 win
It has been quite a journey since the receiver first joined the Vikings’ practice squad back in 2013. Not many could have predicted the kind of career he has had in Minnesota since then. Well, except for Thielen maybe.