Vikings coach Mike Zimmer talks about WR Adam Thielen’s playing status

Will Vikings WR Adam Thielen play in Week 16? It remains to be seen.

Vikings WR Adam Thielen suffered an ankle injury in the Week 13 loss to the Lions.

Thielen has missed Weeks 14 and 15 with that injury. Asked about whether Thielen will get practice Wednesday, Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer said he’s sure he’ll get some reps, because the team will be doing walk-through.

“He was close last week. Will he play? I don’t know,” Zimmer said.

Thielen also spoke the media on Wednesday:

“There’s a lot of stuff you can do. I think we’re on a faster track than most of these,” Thielen said of his high ankle sprain. “So I feel really good about where we’re at… I’ve got really good people around me that have been helping me and we’re on a faster track than most with this injury, so I’m excited about that.”

Without Thielen, the Vikings offense has struggled. Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins threw for 87 passing yards in the Week 15 win over Chicago. He had 216 passing yards the previous week in the victory vs. the Steelers.

Opposing teams can hone in Justin Jefferson easier if Thielen isn’t creating separation and making plays. The Vikings need Thielen back if they want to remain a high-scoring offense.

Lions RB D’Andre Swift ruled out for Vikings game in Week 13

The Lions will be without their primary running back for the Vikings game.

The Vikings may be without Dalvin Cook, their primary back who is expected to miss two games, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

But at least the Lions are dealing with something similar. Detroit ruled out RB D’Andre Swift for the Week 13 matchup against Minnesota. The Lions rely heavily on Swift this year. He has 555 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 11 games.

Without Swift, the Lions will likely start RB Jamaal Williams. Williams has 388 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the year.

If Cook, who is currently day-to-day, ends up being out like Schefter says, then the Vikings will utilize Alexander Mattison as the main back. Mattison had 315 rushing yards and one touchdown so far. Minnesota could use Kene Nwangwu on offense more. Also, the Vikings have RB A.J. Rose Jr. on the practice squad.

Minnesota fell to 5-6 with the loss to San Francisco in Week 12. The Lions lost to the Bears in a close contest on Sunday.