Vikings WR Thielen needed stitches for ankle injury

Minnesota Vikings receiver Adam Thielen suffered an ankle injury during Wednesday's practice and was added to the club's injury report. According to reports Thursday, Thielen's injury included a cut significant enough to require stitches. The Vikings face the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday in an NFC divisional playoff game. However, Thielen is optimistic he will be able to play in the game.

"Yeah, you know how it is," Thielen said. "I just got a little tangled up in practice but I'm going to do whatever it takes -- its playoffs. I'll do whatever it takes to be out there on Saturday with my teammates and try to help this team win." Thielen made a key 43-yard reception to set up the winning touchdown in last Sunday's 26-20 overtime victory over the New Orleans Saints in the NFC wild-card game. He finished with seven receptions for 129 yards.

Thielen, 29, was limited to 10 games in the regular season due to a hamstring injury. He had 30 catches for 418 yards and six touchdowns. Meanwhile, fellow wideout Stefon Diggs (illness) missed his second straight practice but coach Mike Zimmer insisted that the 26-year-old will "be fine."

Also missing Wednesday's practices were safety Jayron Kearse (toe, knee) and cornerback Mackensie Alexander (knee). Alexander needs surgery, according to ESPN.