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Vikings receiver Adam Thielen didn’t practice Thursday, a day after receiving stitches for a bad cut on his ankle suffered during a practice mishap, but vowed to do whatever it takes to play Saturday against the 49ers.
Meanwhile, the news on the Vikings’ other standout receiver, Stefon Diggs, was much more optimistic. Diggs, who couldn’t practice on Tuesday and Wednesday while battling the flu, returned to practice in Eagan, Minn. Thursday.
[Full injury report on 49ers and Vikings]
Adam Thielen (ankle) is present at practice and going through minimal stretching during warm ups but looks to be out today (no helmet). Stefon Diggs is back after missing 2 days with illness. pic.twitter.com/gZavIeEa04
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) January 9, 2020
Thielen, who emerged from an injury-filled regular season to grab seven passes for 129 yards in the Vikings’ 26-20 wild-card round victory over the Saints on Sunday, didn’t participate in practice Thursday and was officially listed as questionable against the 49ers. He wouldn’t reveal exactly how he got hurt, other than he got tangled up with a teammate.
“I’m just focused on today right now,” Thielen told reporters after practice Thursday. “We’ll see how it goes. But I got a couple days so I’m going to take it one day at a time to try to be out there on Saturday and try to help my teammates
“That’s my mindset — do whatever it takes to get out there Saturday and try to help this team win.”
Diggs, though, said there were never any doubt that he’d be playing on Saturday.
“Even if I was 30 percent, I’d be out there,” Diggs said. “Nothing is going to be perfect, and a lot of guys have bumps and bruises. I won’t let a little flu keep me from the game.”
Nonetheless, Thielen’s injury and Diggs’ illness has caused plenty of angst for Vikings fans this week, who worry their team’s chances against the 49ers will take a big hit with the star receivers at less than 100 percent.
When asked what he would say to any worried Vikings fans, Thielen said simply, “Watch the game Saturday.”
