PurplePTSD: Missing Thielen Would Be No Excuse On MNF

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

December 18, 2021

At this point, Adam Thielen looks like the player who is the most unlikely to take the field for Monday Night Football.

He didn’t participate in practice earlier this week. The most recent injury report suggests Thielen is questionable. Frankly, it won’t be shocking if he misses the game. It does seem that Thielen’s injury is relatively serious, suggesting that the offense may be operating without one of their primary weapons.

Earlier in the week, Christian Darrisaw was limited due to his ankle injury. The rookie LT will be in there. When he is absent, Minnesota feels compelled to almost completely reshuffle their line by kicking their starting RG over to LT. That sets off a chain reaction that involves moving around Garrett Bradbury and Mason Cole.

Dalvin Cook – who is more important than ever – was a full participant. Camryn Bynum – who may need to snag the starting spot opposite The Hitman – was removed from the injury report. So was Eric Kendricks.

Otherwise, Bashaud Breeland is questionable. It’s worth noting, though, that it’s not for an injury. Perhaps something came up in his personal life, or something behind closed doors with the coaches.

Obviously, there is some key talent here, but there’s simply no excuse to lose to the Bears.

Hop over to the Vikings.com article to see all the players they’re missing. The list of players doesn’t even include the Covid absences they’re navigating, nor does it account for how the team is seemingly on the cusp of quitting on Matt Nagy. Chicago has had all three of their coordinators placed on the Covid-19 list.

A win on MNF would be aided by having Thielen in the lineup. Even if he isn’t, though, the Vikings will have no excuse. Chicago is currently an awful football team. Getting into the playoffs means beating awful football teams.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.