How Concerned Should We Be About Dalvin Cook’s Status For Sunday?

Dalvin Cook was injured during last week’s heartbreaking loss vs the Arizona Cardinals. But after returning later in the game and talking with media earlier this week, it was all-systems-go for Cook and the Vikings offense.

This post has been updated below.

But then, Dalvin didn’t practice with his teammates on Wednesday or Thursday. So… now what?

Dalvin Cook is the only #Vikings player not practicing on Thursday; Anthony Barr is on the field for a second consecutive day for the first time since early in training camp.

— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingStrib) September 23, 2021

Dalvin Cook may not be practicing but signs still CAUTIOUSLY point to him playing on Sunday. Both Cook and Mike Zimmer said as much in their press conferences this week. If there’s one player and one position that doesn’t need to practice to play, it’s Cook.

“At this stage, it’s time to get some wins. Dalvin’s a tough guy. If he can’t play, then there’s a reason why he’s not playing, but he makes us go, so we’re going to continue to play him.”

Mike Zimmer (Wednesday)

Still, we’re just one bad report away from this entire scenario swinging the other way. Who knows how the Minnesota Vikings would go about beating the Seattle Seahawks without their prized offensive weapon. The final injury report will come out around 12:30 PM on Friday. Let’s hope Cooks isn’t on it.

Everyone else practiced

On the bright side, everyone else practiced for the Vikings. That includes Christian Darrisaw, Anthony Barr, Bashaud Breeland and any others who have previously sat out.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook is not practicing for the second straight day due to his ankle injury. Anthony Barr and Everson Griffen are again practicing at least on limited basis. Bashaud Breeland is on the field for at least a limited practice.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 23, 2021

UPDATE (9/24 | 12:55 PM)

Dalvin Cook has officially been listed as “questionable” for Sunday and sat out of practice for the third-straight day. This wasn’t the update we were hoping for BUT it could have been worse (“doubtful” or “out”).

RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) is listed by the #Vikings as questionable for Sunday's game against Seattle.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 24, 2021

Mike Zimmer said Dalvin Cook is "doing much better" and got some work in today after being DNP Wed/Thurs. Asked if he thinks RB is a position where a player can sit out a week and still be ready for a game, Zimmer said, "If you're asking about Dalvin, I think Dalvin can."

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 24, 2021

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan