Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer declares Dalvin Cook ready for Denver

Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer basically declared Dalvin Cook’s recovery complete as he’s “ready to go” for the preseason opener against the Denver Broncos.

As the Minnesota Vikings enter the midway point of training camp, the talk around TCO Performance Center has been how good Dalvin Cook has looked. Coming back from an ACL tear suffered in Week 4 last season, Cook has already ditched the knee brace, practiced in full and looks every bit as explosive as he did last September.

Despite all of this, there was some concern about whether or not Cook would be ready for the preseason opener at Denver on August 11. As head coach Mike Zimmer spoke to the media this morning, he made it clear that he’s seen all that he needs to see to know that he’s back.

"“I’ll probably see him in the preseason. It will depend on the situation and where we’re at and things like that. We’ve banged him pretty good the last few days so he’ll get some reps.”"

After learning that fans will likely see the Vikings running back in the preseason, Zimmer was asked if Cook will be ready for that first preseason contest against the Denver Broncos. The answer the coach gave was more than definitive.

"“Yes, he’s ready now.”"

Later in the media session, Cook took the podium and was asked what it would be like getting ready to take his first handoff in a game.

Minnesota Vikings

With the same tenacity he used to shred opposing defenses last fall, the running back gave an honest answer to the reporters in attendance.

"“I’m going to be hyped as s–t. I know that. I’ll tell you that. You are always going to be nervous before a game. If anybody tells you different, it’s a lie. You are going to be nervous, little jitters. Once you get it out of the way, it’s time to go play some football. That is going to be the things with me. Once I get that out of the way, it’s time to play football. A little nervousness is going to be there.”"

Despite Cook’s enthusiasm to get on the field next Saturday, its unsure how much work the running back will get during the team’s full squad workout at TCO Performance Stadium on Saturday night.

For now, it’s clear that Cook isn’t holding anything back anymore and is ready to get back on the field for the Minnesota Vikings.