Vikings' Laquon Treadwell: Bothered by ankle injury throughout rookie year

Head coach Mike Zimmer said Treadwell's nagging ankle injury was a big factor in the wideout's disappointing rookie season, KMSP-TV reports.

Analysis:

A 2016 first-round selection, Treadwell caught just one pass in nine appearances, with ankle and hamstring injuries making it difficult for him to earn a significant role. The ankle may have been a bigger issue than the Vikings previously let on, but it was still discouraging to see Treadwell remain uninvolved even when Stefon Diggs was limited or unavailable due to his own injuries. Adam Thielen and Cordarrelle Patterson stepped up instead, but the latter is set to hit unrestricted free agency and might even play some running back if he sticks around. Assuming his ankle is healthy, Treadwell should have a shot at some first-team reps during the offseason program.