Minnesota placed Thielen (ankle) on injured reserve Wednesday. The wide receiver will soon undergo surgery and is facing a one-month recovery timeline, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Thielen might have a chance to play if the Vikings make a deep playoff run, but their currently odds of making the postseason would seem to be less than 50-50 at the moment as Minnesota prepares for a Week 17 matchup with division-leading Green Bay. K.J. Osborn will be Minnesota's No. 2 receiver to close out the season, with Dede Westbrook likely handling the No. 3 role and Dan Chisena and Ihmir Smith-Marsette providing depth. Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson has seen 39.5 percent of Minnesota's targets the past four weeks, averaging 7.5 catches for 106.0 yards and 0.75 touchdowns on 12.8 targets.