The Minnesota Vikings placed wide receiver Adam Thielen on the COVID-19 reserve list on Monday. The move to place him on the list means Thielen has either tested positive for the virus or has come into close contact with someone who has.
The #Vikings have placed WR Adam Thielen on Reserve/COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/b211f6fKGz
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 23, 2020
Thielen is coming off his best game of the season for the Vikings, compiling eight catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
The loss of Thielen would be a major blow for the Vikings’ offense as he leads the league with 11 touchdown receptions. An extended absence would also put more pressure on rookie Justin Jefferson, who has thrived since being inserted into the starting lineup in Week 3.
For now, the Vikings will wait and see regarding Thielen’s availability for Sunday’s game with the Carolina Panthers. If he was a close contact, he could still be available for Sunday if he records two consecutive negative tests, but teams are not obliged to specify if a player tests positive or is a close contact.
