Adam Thielen Missing Another Game With Dalvin Cook Ailing is Not Good for the Vikings

This is not the news you want to see if you're a Vikings fan -- or an Adam Thielen fantasy owner. The veteran wideout will likely miss yet another contest this week as he recovers from a hamstring injury. With running back Dalvin Cook playing through a clavicle injury, the Vikings offense will need to rely on some complementary playmakers in a potential trap game with their division rivals, the Detroit Lions.

Thielen's injury can be traced back to an earlier game with Detroit this season, where he came down gimpy following a touchdown reception. He attempted to return once already against the Chiefs in Week 9 only to leave that contest before registering a catch.

It's authentically tough it is for a player to return from soft tissue injuries like this, especially one who relies on their speed like Thielen. You might remember that Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette missed almost all of last season as he battled a very similar injury. Dalvin Cook experienced hamstring troubles himself last season, and it dragged the team down noticeably.

Speaking of Cook. His availability on Sunday will be a major factor in the Vikings game-plan. Facing the 23rd-ranked run defense in the league, Cook could absolutely dominate on Sunday if he is not limited by his injury. Should he be on a snap count limit, the team will have to rely on rookie Alexander Mattison (basically Diet Dalvin) in his place. Likewise, there will be a generous helping of Bisi Johnson and Laquon Treadwell in the place of Thielen.