The Vikings on Wednesday ruled wide receiver Adam Thielen, sidelined by a hamstring injury, out of Thursday night’s game against Washington. A source said they will sign rookie receiver Davion Davis off the practice squad.
Thielen was hurt in last Sunday’s 42-30 win at Detroit. On Monday, an MRI exam revealed the injury isn’t severe. On Tuesday, Thielen said he was lobbying to play in Thursday night’s game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
He is expected to be ready for Minnesota’s Nov. 3 game at Kansas City.
Minnesota’s starters at wide receiver Thursday will be Stefon Diggs and rookie Bisi Johnson, who will replace Thielen. Laquon Treadwell will be the No. 3 receiver and Davis is in line to be No. 4.
Davis turned 23 Wednesday. Being promoted, he said, would be “a heck of a birthday present.” He will take the spot on the roster that opened Tuesday when the Vikings released punt returner Marcus Sherels.
Davis was signed Sept. 28 and on the active roster for two games, inactive for both. He was waived Oct. 12 and re-signed Oct. 14 to the practice squad.
Davis, who played at Sam Houston State, has most of the season been one of three rookie receivers on the practice squad. However, he has moved ahead of Dillon Mitchell, a seventh-round pick, and undrafted Alexander Hollins in the pecking order.
“I’ve just about working hard and doing what you have to to show that you belong, and that’s what I’ve done,’’ Davis said Tuesday. “It’s kind of showing the coaches that I’ve been on top of my stuff and taking care of business and learning the playbook. That’s the biggest thing.’’
Davis stayed after practice Tuesday to work on routes with quarterback Kirk Cousins. There’s a chance on Thursday he could be in a real game with Cousins.
“I’m just got to stay ready,’’ Davis said. “I’ll be ready to bust my tail every chance I get.”
The Vikings on Wednesday also listed defensive tackle Jalyn Holmes as questionable for Thursday’s game because of illness.
Washington listed running back Adrian Peterson (ankle) as questionable but said Tuesday he plans to play against his former team.
Washington listed as out running back Chris Thompson (toe), safety Deshazor Everett (ankle), linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons (hamstring), guard Wes Martin (chest) and tight end Vernon Davis (concussion). Also listed as questionable were cornerback Josh Norman (thigh, hand), safety Montae Nicholson (ankle) and wide receiver Steven Sims Jr. (toe).
Leave a Reply