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Vikings Receiver Adam Thielen To Miss Rest Of Season; Could Mean Trouble For Justin Jefferson

SEATTLE, WA - AUGUST 18: Wide receiver Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings rushes against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on August 18, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings receiver Adam Thielen will miss the rest of the season due to ankle surgery, and that could lead to fantasy trouble—but not for the reason you think.

Thielen, who had 67 receptions for 721 yards and 10 touchdowns this campaign, would not have carried anyone’s fantasy team. However, his absence could make trouble for fellow wideout Justin Jefferson.

Thielen hasn’t been the team’s go-to option at receiver since Jefferson arrived last year. He has 97 catches this season for 1,451 yards and nine TDs. As good as he’s been, he clearly benefits from Thielen’s presence.

In 13 games with Thielen on the field, Jefferson averaged 6.6 catches for 101.9 yards; he averaged 5.5 catches for 63 yards in two games sans Thielen.

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Against the Packers—the Vikes’ opponent this week—earlier this season, Jefferson caught eight passes for 169 yards and two scores. However, without Thielen, expectations should not be as high.

Thielen’s absence could make it worth adding Minnesota receiver K.J. Osborn in deeper leagues, or as a desperation move, as the rookie had 104 yards receiving in the two Thielen-less games, including a 62-yard touchdown in Week 14.