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How to handle Adam Thielen’s injury in Week 13 fantasy football

Thielen’s status for Monday’s game against Seattle is still up in the air.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen participates in warm-ups before the start of a game against the Denver Broncos at U.S. Bank Stadium. David Berding-USA TODAY Sports

UPDATE: Adam Thielen (hamstring) is expected to be out for Monday Night Football in Week 13 vs. the Seattle Seahawks, per NFL Network.

Will the Minnesota Vikings have wide receiver Adam Thielen in the lineup this week for a Monday night showdown with the Seattle Seahawks? As of Saturday, we just don’t know, but there are some signs that things are trending in the right direction.

Thielen hurt his hamstring during a Week 9 game against the Chiefs. It wasn’t the first time he’d dealt with that very same injury either. At the time, the team expressed some optimism that it would not be a long-term issue for their top receiver, but he hasn’t played since then.

After missing Wednesday’s session this week, he did manage to practice with the team on later in the week, albeit in a limited role.

Earlier this week, Thielen said that he would not play if his hamstring weren’t back to 100 percent. However, he added that things were trending in the right direction, giving fans reason to believe that he will play on Monday night.

Fantasy football analysis, Minnesota Vikings WR Adam Thielen

The fact that Thielen made it clear he wouldn’t play at less 100 percent is a good sign for his production ... if he does in fact play. He had six touchdowns through the first seven games of the season, giving him a nice little floor.

Stefon Diggs has been producing at a furious clip, even before Thielen went down. Last week, against the Broncos he caught five passes for 121 yards and a touchdown. Without Thielen, he’ll be the Vike’s No. 1 option. He’s a good start even if Thielen does play against a middling pass defense.

Olabisi Johnson has started two games in a row without Thielen in the lineup. He had six catches for 35 yards in Minnesota’s last game before the bye, in Week 11. If Thielen doesn’t play, he’s a sneaky option for the back of a lineup. If Thielen does play, he won’t have much to do.