5 takeaways from the Vikings win over the Chargers in Week 15

Cook’s latest injury is worrisome

After his second carry of the third quarter, Dalvin Cook went down with what was later diagnosed as a shoulder injury. Cook had to be helped off the field by the Vikings trainers and he remained on the sideline for the rest of the matchup.

Following Minnesota’s win, Mike Zimmer told reporters that the running back’s injury is not related to the injured clavicle he’s been dealing with since Week 11.

For those who like to look at things from an optimistic point of view, Cook was seen later on the sidelines joking and smiling with his teammates. Does it really mean anything? Probably not, but one can hope that it’s a positive sign that injury isn’t too severe and the running back will be able to suit up against the Packers next Monday.

With only two games left to improve their seeding in the playoffs, Cook’s injury couldn’t come at a worse time for the Vikings. He’s a huge part of their offense and not having him on the field would be a huge blow to Minnesota’s chances to make any sort of run in the postseason.

Yes, the Vikings do have capable backups in rookie Alexander Mattison and Mike Boone. However, neither matches what Cook provides for the Minnesota offense every time he gets his hands on the football.

Hopefully, the Vikings kept their top running back out for the rest of the second half on Sunday for precautionary reasons. If not, Minnesota’s championship goals might be out the door.