The Vikings ruled out Thielen (ankle) for Thursday's game against Pittsburgh.
Thielen's Week 14 absence was expected, after he suffered a high-ankle sprain just four days earlier in the Vikings' loss to Detroit. With Thielen sidelined for Thursday, leaves K.J. Osborn and Dede Westbrook will slot in as the Nos. 2 and 3 receivers, respectively, while Justin Jefferson could pick up extra volume as the clear-cut No. 1 target for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Thielen's next chance to play will be Week 15 against the Bears in a Monday night game on Dec. 20. It isn't yet clear if he has a realistic shot to be healthy by then.