Vikings’ WR Adam Thielen will not play Thursday night vs Minnesota after hurting his hamstring against the Lions last Sunday.

Adam Thielen's absence hurts Kirk Cousin's upside but helps Stefon Diggs, Olabisi Johnson, Kyle Rudolph, and Irv Smith Jr against an overall weak Washington defense.

Mike Zimmer said Adam Thielen is "improving fast," adding, "He's got a chance' to play Thursday night. Vikings will see where Thielen's at tomorrow, Zimmer said.

Thielen's status has been bouncing around all week so he looks to be a game-time call. Owners probably want to be aware even if he's active as the Vikings shouldn't have a tough time with the one-win Skins at home.

With Adam Thielen out, the Vikings would likely turn to rookie Bisi Johnson again.

“It felt really good,” Johnson said. “That just shows how much confidence the coaches have in me, and how much confidence [quarterback] Kirk [Cousins] obviously has in me. I can go out there and make plays all the time. That’s what I’m here for; that’s why I’m here. I’m here to make plays, and I’ll do just that.”

Johnson was targeted 8 times after taking over for Thielen. Johnson played 52 of the team’s 73 snaps and caught four passes for 40 yards, including his first NFL touchdown. Thielen's hamstring injury isn't believed to be serious.

Vikings WR Adam Thielen will get an MRI and Ian Rapoport said "it's hard to imagine" Thielen playing on Thursday night.

Rapoport added "stranger things have happened" but doesn't seem to think Thielen will be able to go on Thursday against the Redskins. The injury isn't considered serious but the timing is bad for Thielen and his owners. Remember, we reported Thielen said Sunday he thought he could play in Week 8, but like we said, player self-diagnosis like that can't always be trusted. He's a question mark at best.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen exited the matchup after suffering a hamstring injury on a first-quarter touchdown catch against the Lions. Thielen says he'll get an MRI on his hamstring but he's optimistic he'll play Thursday against the Redskins.

Obviously a short week puts into question his availability, and we know we can't really trust a player when giving medical information. But it's somewhat good news that Thielen at least thinks he can go on a short week.

Wide receiver Adam Thielen was ruled out for the second half of the Minnesota Vikings' Week 7 showdown with NFC North rival Detroit after injuring his right hamstring while hauling in a 25-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

The hope is, obviously, Thielen can bounce back quickly. He was seen on the sideline trying to stretch and wasn't ruled out until after halftime. But to complicate matters, the Vikings play on a short week at home against Washington in Week 8.