Despite rumblings of a holdout, running back Dalvin Cook is expected to report for training camp with the Minnesota Vikings on time.
Things sounded like they could get a little nasty this offseason between the Minnesota Vikings and star running back Dalvin Cook, but a recent report shows that things might not be all bad between the two parties and a holdout might not happen.
Cook was looking to get a contract extension from the Vikings this offseason but has yet to agree to terms with the team on a long-term deal. Despite that, it sounds that the dual-threat running back will be participating in training camp as scheduled.
This news came from Stacey Dales of the NFL Network on Twitter:
. @Vikings RB Dalvin Cook is expected to report to camp next week, per HC Mike Zimmer. When Zimmer was asked: “I was told he would be.” By whom?: “By him.” @nflnetwork
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) July 25, 2020
Having the head coach of the team confirm that he is still talking with Dalvin Cook is a huge positive for the franchise. Of course, Mike Zimmer recently signed a three-year contract extension with Minnesota and will be at the helm through the 2023 NFL season.
There is little doubt that Zimmer would love to have Dalvin Cook on his team’s roster during his entire time with the Minnesota Vikings. Even though a deal hasn’t been reached between the star running back and the team, it appears as though the door is open for the two sides to come to a compromise in the future.
If for some reason Dalvin Cook doesn’t play during the regular season, the starting running back position will fall to second-year runner Alexander Mattison. Last year, Mattison and Cook were a formidable duo for the team out of the backfield and should be a big part of the team’s offensive plan this year.
Hearing that Dalvin Cook will report for training camp is great news for Minnesota Vikings fans. While it’s not the long-term deal many are likely rooting for, it’s a step toward success during the 2020 NFL season.
*UPDATE on 7/25: It turns out this report may not be entirely true. According to Adam Schefter on Twitter, Dalvin Cook has not been in contact with Mike Zimmer about showing up for training cramp.
Dalvin Cook’s agent, Zac Hiller: “First, congrats to Coach Zimmer on his well-earned extension. However, Dalvin has not spoken to him in regards to reporting to camp. We are unsure why this was said. I hope Dalvin can continue to play a major role in the Vikings future success.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2020
This will be an interesting situation to watch unfold as the team prepares for the 2020 NFL season. Only time will tell what will happen with Dalvin Cook and the Minnesota Vikings until something official is released.