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The Minnesota Vikings will square off with Washington on Thursday Night Football to open Week 8, and they will do so without wide receiver Adam Thielen. The star pass catcher injured his hamstring on a diving touchdown catch in the first quarter of the team’s Week 7 win over the Detroit Lions. He sat out all three days of practice on the short week and has been formally ruled out for the game.
Fantasy football analysis, Vikings WR Adam Thielen
This is not unexpected, but still notable for fantasy owners. Stefon Diggs led the team in receiving on Sunday, and figures to be a big target in Week 8 against Washington. Bisi Johnson had four catches for 40 yards and a touchdown and will see a boost in snaps with Thielen out.
Where it could get interesting is with tight end Kyle Rudolph. He has emerged in the past two weeks after dropping off most everybody’s radar. He could be a target for Kirk Cousins with Thielen sidelined.
Given the way the game script could go, expect to see plenty of Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison as well.