While Vikings coach Mike Zimmer and Dalvin Cook himself try to play cat-and-mouse with the media about the running back’s status for Monday, trusted reporters say he will sit out.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport said sources tell them Cook’s shoulder injury makes it “highly unlikely” he will play in a home game against Green Bay that could have major NFC North and playoff seeding implications.
Minnesota (10-4) can clinch a playoff berth and tie the Packers (11-3) atop the division standings, although Green Bay owns the tiebreaker. The Vikings need a victory, plus a Green Bay loss the following week in the season finale to win the North and earn a home playoff game and potentially a No. 2 seed and first-round bye.
Cook, who rushed for 154 yards in Green Bay in a 21-16 loss in Week 2, was injured early in the third quarter of Sunday’s 39-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers after taking a pitch from quarterback Kirk cousins and being tackled by the ankles.
The running back — who already had a shoulder injury suffered five weeks ago against Denver — writhed in pain while trainers attended him, then disappeared with them inside the medical tent before being ruled out the rest of the game.
Cook was later spotted laughing while sitting on the bench with teammates.
On Thursday, Cook said this injury is different from before and he will spend a lot of time In the training room and if he can play he will play.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer practice said of Cook: “I have an update. He seems to be doing good,” but later said he wasn’t sure if Cook would particpate in Thursday’s “low key” practice.
Cook’s backup, rookie Alexander Mattison, was sidelined on Sunday with an ankle injury. Zimmer on Thursday said Mattison is “doing better.”
Mike Boone shouldered most of the load the rest of the Chargers’ game, scoring a third quarter touchdown. Ameer Abdullah is the team’s fourth-string running back.
Of Boone, Zimmer said, “Hopefully, we don’t need him” Monday.
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