MANKATO – Adam Thielen knows the Vikings' investments at receiver and where he stands in the pecking order.
That is why he's trying to take advantage of rare starting reps received through the bulk of training camp. Whether in morning walk-throughs or afternoon padded practices, Thielen often has been seen running routes for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in a three-receiver set also featuring Charles Johnson and Stefon Diggs.
"I think guys would be lying to you — anybody who says they're not trying to be a starter in this league," Thielen said. "For me though, honestly, I just want to help this football team win games and whatever that takes I'm going to do."
Entering his fourth NFL season, Thielen keeps adding chapters to his improbable story. Hailing from Detroit Lakes, Minn., and the site of training camp, Minnesota State University Mankato, Thielen has developed from undrafted into a special teams mainstay. That's how the 25-year-old receiver was trusted with a fake punt in Green Bay, sprinting for a 41-yard run to help boost the Vikings to their first division title since 2009.
Now a starting receiver? Over slot aficionado Jarius Wright, who signed a four-year, $14.8 million extension less than a year ago?
Not quite, said coach Mike Zimmer, while praising Thielen's value as a plug-and-play option as needed.
"Adam is one of those guys, if somebody's out, he jumps in," Zimmer said. "He knows all the positions. It's not like it's anything saying, 'Hey, let's get Adam in here for these six plays.' It's just how it works out. I wouldn't read too much into it."
This Vikings receiving corps will be tough to crack with five incumbents joined by first-round pick Laquon Treadwell. Thielen isn't taking his spot for granted, adding he's using this time against the starting defense to sharpen his game.
"You're not going to get by with being a good, I don't know, possession guy," Thielen said of facing the likes of starting cornerback Xavier Rhodes. "You gotta bring it because they're going to figure out what you're good at — what you do well — and they're going to try and take that away. You have to be a good all-around receiver and that's what I'm trying to do."
Not out long?
Right guard Brandon Fusco was just finding a groove before an undisclosed injury sidelined him during Friday's practice.
Fusco was held out of Saturday night's scrimmage, though Zimmer said he doesn't expect him to "be out very long." After a one-year experiment at left guard, Fusco shifted back to the right side where he has opened three seasons as a starter.
"That's probably the best I've seen him look since I've been here," Zimmer said of Fusco's start to camp. "He has done a good job, been physical and better in pass protection. He has looked a lot better."
The injury briefly impedes the Vikings' competition at center, where last year's starter, Joe Berger, has moved to right guard with John Sullivan in the middle.
"[A decision] may not be as soon as I hoped," Zimmer said. "But we'll figure it out."
Receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, fullback Zach Line, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, linebacker Edmond Robinson and guard Brandon Fusco were held out Saturday night.
Kendricks leaves practice
Starting middle linebacker Eric Kendricks left the field with an athletic trainer midway through the night practice. He did not return.
