By Adam Roberts – 10/13/2020
It appears as though the 1-4 Vikings, who last week were without wide receiver Adam Thielen, will be minus another one of their offensive stars for their next game.
Running Back Dalvin Cook has an adductor strain, according to ESPN. He suffered the injury on the opening play of the third quarter in the team’s loss to Seattle Sunday night, and despite positive feedback on his MRI, it appears Cook could be out this week. Despite the Vikings playing a woefully disappointing 0-5 Atlanta this week, Cook’s absence would be a big one for Minnesota; the 25 year old leads the NFL in rushing yards through five weeks.
If Cook misses action this weekend, he could theoretically be back for Week Eight against the Packers; Minnesota has a bye Week Seven. The Summit Medical Group says an adductor strain, if mild, can be healed within a few weeks, but a more severe injury may take six weeks-plus. Alexander Mattison would handle the majority of snaps if Cook can’t play; last Sunday Mattison made the most of his time on the field, rushing for 112 yards on 20 carries.
Again, the mood seemed fairly positive from head coach Mike Zimmer at his press conference Monday, but the injury will be one to monitor for both Vikings’ fans and fantasy footballers alike due to the very week-to-week nature this injury appears to be.