The Facts: Thielen is expected to play in Saturday's divisional playoff against the 49ers. A few days ago, that seemed very much in doubt after a scary scene in practice, as described in detail by sources informed of the situation. Thielen declined to discuss details with reporters but he would say the remaining time until kickoff would be about "just focusing on what I can control and just trying to be as prepared as possible -- obviously mentally, but just trying to get as close to a hundred percent physically as I can, and then let it ride."

Diehards Line: As for the details, when Thielen got his feet tangled with a teammate during Wednesday's practice, a teammate's cleat broke through the shoe and sock covering the back of his left heel. Sources tell NFL Network's Tom Pelissero he received four stitches to close the wound. Thielen and the Vikings took every precaution. He got a second opinion from noted expert Dr. Robert Anderson and spent some time in a boot. There was no additional damage. Coming off a monster game (seven catches, 129 yards) in a wild-card upset of the Saints, can Thielen be himself just three days after the injury? "Yeah, I think so," Thielen said. "I don't know, we'll see. We'll find out on Saturday." Stay tuned. We'll continue to follow up as needed.