Last week, wide receiver Adam Thielen was not activated off the reserve/COVID-19 in time for the Panthers game, which was a concerning development for the Vikings offense.
Thielen has been the Vikings’ best red zone target this season. Kirk Cousins has been good recently, but he had both Thielen and Justin Jefferson to rely on.
This game was different, but Cousins was stellar. He found wide receiver Chad Beebe and tight end Kyle Rudolph more often, but more importantly, he found a way to get Jefferson the ball despite the rookie being by far the best receiving target Minnesota had for the Carolina game.
All in all, Jefferson has adjusted well to his large role in the Vikings offense.
“I love it, just being targeted a lot,” Jefferson said, via Courtney Cronin of ESPN. “It definitely boosts your confidence, especially if you’re on a rhythm just catching short catches and moving the ball — as long as Kirk is trusting me and giving me the opportunity to make those catches. We’re definitely working with each other week in and week out, and we’re getting better and better each week.”
Now, Thielen is off the reserve/COVID-19 list. Cousins gets his main wide receiver duo back for the Jaguars game. Minnesota might need a big day from its offense against Jacksonville in Week 13. If that’s the case, look for Jefferson and Thielen to both be involved.