On Monday, the Minnesota Vikings announced they have placed wide receiver Adam Thielen on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. The full statement from the team can be read below:
“The reserve-COVID-19 list category was created for a player who either tests positive for COVID-19 or who has been quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person or persons. If a player falls into either of these categories, their club is required to immediately place the player on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Per agreed upon NFL-NFLPA policy, clubs are not permitted to comment on player’s medical status other than referring to roster status. Clubs may not disclose whether player is in quarantine or is positive for COVID-19.”
Thielen is fresh off a great performance against the Dallas Cowboys, bringing in 11 catches for 123 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He’d be a big loss for the Vikings this week against the Carolina Panthers. However, this season multiple players have been placed on the Reserve/Covid-19 list and played that week on Sunday. In the situation that Thielen was considered a close contact, he’d just need to test negative everyday leading up to Sunday.
If Thielen were to miss, the Vikings could get their first look at Justin Jefferson as the lone primary option. Minnesota’s offense would take a step down as Thielen enters Week 12 as the league leader in touchdown receptions.