The Viking Age
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Vikings’ special teams coach lobbying for Dalvin Cook to return kickoffs

By Adam Carlson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Running back Dalvin Cook of Florida State answers questions from the media on Day 2 of the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Running back Dalvin Cook of Florida State answers questions from the media on Day 2 of the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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If the team’s special teams coach has his way, the Minnesota Vikings will be using their rookie running back Dalvin Cook on kickoff returns in 2017.

There has been a huge amount of excitement about what running back Dalvin Cook brings to the Minnesota Vikings  ever since he was selected with the team’s second round draft pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Thoughts of the dynamic rusher being able to catch passes out of the backfield, block when needed, or provide explosive runs are the first thing that comes to the mind of fans with high hopes for the running back.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Dalvin Cook
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Dalvin Cook /

However, special teams coach Mike Priefer has been watching the dynamic player and would like to see his talents used in a different part of the game: kickoffs.

According to Alex Marvez of SiriusXM Radio, Priefer has been attempting to convince head coach Mike Zimmer to allow the rookie to handle kickoff returns in 2017.

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The current word on the street is that Priefer is fighting an uphill battle. This may mean that Zimmer is expecting to use Cook more in the offense than many fans expect early in the season, however he could just want to make sure his big investment at running back stays healthy for the offense.

Cook didn’t handle kickoff returns at the college level, but his speed and elusiveness could make him a huge asset to that part of the game. The only question is how much the Vikings want to save their second round draft pick for the offensive side of the ball and how much of a risk they see using him on returns.

At this point in the preseason, it appears as though rookie wide receiver Rodney Adams is the likely favorite for the kick return job if he can edge out veteran special teams ace Marcus Sherels for the gig.

Next: Who will be the Vikings' kick returner in 2017?

Replacing the production of Cordarrelle Patterson as a kick returner will be difficult for the Minnesota Vikings, but with so many great options for the team, they will likely be able to find someone to do the job efficiently on a regular basis.

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