Team news: Carolina Panthers | Page 21

The Vikings activated wide receiver Adam Thielen from the Reserve/COVID list Wednesday.

Thielen should rejoin the Minnesota offense in Week 13 against the Jaguars. Reports indicate Thielen dealt with a false positive test for COVID-19 last week, resulting in his absence from the lineup. Thielen will quickly reclaim WR2 status working alongside star rookie Justin Jefferson.

Justin Jefferson became Minnesota's No. 1 receiving threat and saw double-digit targets (13) for the third time this season. And he had his second multi-touchdown day, with seven catches for 70 yards and two scores.

Related players: Adam Thielen

Of course Thielen is out of the lineup and on the COVID list, but Jefferson is showing he can step in. The story said Jefferson's longest reception of the day was 18 yards, a departure from the deep shots off play-action that usually come his way. The added attention is something Jefferson has been anticipating for weeks, working to perfect different releases and footwork to keep defenses guessing. Recently, we had a story about how teams are beginning to treat Jefferson as the Vikings WR1. With Thielen out of the lineup, Jefferson is showing he can deal with that kind of role and attention from defenses.

HC Mike Zimmer told reporters he’s hopeful wide receiver Adam Thielen will be able to return this week.

Of course, that’s subject to the wideout clearing COVID protocols. Thielen has been on the reserve/COVID-19 list since last Monday.

Vikings WR Adam Thielen is not expected to play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

No Thielen would be a huge loss for the Vikings pass offense. Thielen has 13 touchdowns this season. Tajae Sharpe and Olabisi Johnson would get more snaps, with Chad Beebe being the likely receiver to start in place of Thielen.

Vikings are awaiting word on WR Adam Thielen’s status after positive -- and negative -- COVID-19 tests.

Pelissero said Thielen's status is "up in the air." The NFL and the medical experts are continuing to sort through Thielen's situation. Owners will have to continue to monitor the status of Thielen's testing leading up to Week 12.

The Vikings placed WR Adam Thielen on the COVID list.

Related players: Justin Jefferson, Chad Beebe, Olabisi Johnson

It's not clear whether or not Thielen tested positive or if he was in close contact with someone who did. Thielen will now have to test negative for the virus throughout the week in order to have a chance at playing in Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. It's a potential huge loss for the Vikings. Jefferson would run as the team's WR1 with Beebe and Johnson moving up the depth chart.

Jordan Howard is getting another chance in Philadelphia.

Howard, the veteran running back who failed miserably as a free agent signing with the Dolphins this year, has signed with the Eagles’ practice squad.

Related players: Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Corey Clement

Ordinarily, a player with Howard’s level of experience wouldn’t be eligible for the practice squad. But new rules this year allow teams to add veterans with any amount of experience to the practice squad, so Howard can join the Eagles now, with an eye toward playing on their active roster at some point this season. The Eagles do lack a between-the-tackles runner, so Howard could be a fit. He likely won't take too much away from the workloads of Sanders and Scott, and could be more of a replacement for Clement who continues to battle injuries.