The Minnesota Vikings running back is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and is reportedly not expected to be ready to play until after the team’s bye week.
Back in 2017, the Minnesota Vikings felt they got one of the steals of the NFL Draft after they selected Florida State running back Dalvin Cook in the second round. And through his first three games last season, Cook was already proving to be another great weapon for the Vikings’ offense.
But then the young running back suffered a torn ACL in Week 4 and his rookie year was finished.
This season, Cook recovered from his knee injury in time to play in Minnesota’s first two games. However, a hamstring injury has kept the running back on the sidelines for all but 18 snaps since Week 3.
Minnesota Vikings
Cook has been practicing on and off during the past few weeks and was even expected to suit up against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. But the Vikings running back actually ended up not playing against the Cardinals and when exactly he will return to the field this year is still unknown.
With a big matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, many were hoping that Cook would be healthy enough to play this week. However, a recent report seems to indicate that the running back won’t be suiting up for Minnesota for at least a few more games.
Citing multiple league sources, ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reported on Wednesday that Cook is expected to miss the Vikings’ next two matchups against the Saints and the Detroit Lions and not be ready to play again until after Minnesota’s bye in Week 10.
It’s unfortunate for both the Vikings and Cook, but hamstring injuries are hard to predict. Minnesota likely doesn’t feel the urge to rush him back this season as well since their running game appears to have gotten back on track during their last three games.
On the plus side, Cook should hopefully be recovered in time to help the Vikings during their last few matchups of the year as they fight for a spot in the playoffs.
For now though, Week 11 against the Chicago Bears appears to be the earliest Minnesota will get to see their young running back return to the field.