2 min read • December 29, 2021
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Veteran Vikings receiver Adam Thielen underwent surgery Monday to repair the left ankle he reinjured Week 16, ending his season.
Dr. David Chao, ProFootballDoc, said Thielen likely underwent a syndesmosis tightening surgery for the high ankle sprain he originally suffered Week 13.
Thielen missed two weeks with the ankle injury, then returned to play Week 16. He reaggravated the injury on a catch with just under three minutes left in the second quarter.
The 31-year-old attempted to return in the third quarter, but exited after making one catch with 13 minutes left.
High ankle sprains typically carry a three-to-four week injury timeline, Chao said.
Thielen's return in just over two weeks was hasty, but likely based on the Vikings needing the win to remain in the playoff hunt.
The Vikings (7-8) sit one game behind the 49ers and Eagles for the last wildcard spot in the NFC.
With Thielen out, Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn should get more targets this Sunday against the Packers.
Jefferson has had double digit targets since Week 13. He had 8 catches for 116 yards against the Rams last Sunday.
Thielen finishes the year with 67 catches for 726 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games played. He should recover fully by the start of training camp next season, Chao said.
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