Dalvin Cook will ‘probably’ play in the Vikings’ next preseason game

After sitting out the team’s preseason opener, Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer expects the running back to play in their second exhibition game on Sunday.

When the Minnesota Vikings took the field for their first offensive drive in their preseason matchup against the New Orleans Saints last Friday, right tackle Brian O’Neill was the only starter who was expected not to play. However, another top player was also missing from the Vikings’ starting lineup in the game too.

Dalvin Cook sat out Minnesota’s preseason opener last Friday and head coach Mike Zimmer said after the game that the condition of the turf is why he held the young running back out. Cook coming off of two injury-riddled seasons probably played a little bit into Zimmer’s decision as well.

So will the Vikings running back be suiting up for the team’s next preseason matchup on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks inside U.S. Bank Stadium? Zimmer was asked about this on Monday during an interview with KFAN’s Dan Barreiro.

"“You’re going to see him. (New Orleans) had brand new turf that was finished a day before the game. I made the decision (to sit him) before that, but you’ll probably see him in there a little bit this week.”"

Even if Cook does play against the Seahawks on Sunday, don’t bank on him getting a ton of reps. An entire quarter seems like the max amount of time Minnesota might keep him out on the field.

As much as the Vikings want to keep Cook as healthy as possible, getting him a few snaps during the preseason wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world. In fact, it may actually improve his chances of avoiding another injury early in the regular season.

So for the Minnesota fans who are planning on attending Sunday’s preseason matchup against Seattle, it sounds like Cook will at least be making a brief appearance.