Vikings RB Dalvin Cook is ‘unlikely’ to play vs. Packers

The Minnesota Vikings are on the brink of earning a trip to the playoffs heading into the final two weeks.

That quest towards the playoffs has gotten a bit more complicated with star running back Dalvin Cook, who is set to miss Week 16 action against the Green Bay Packers on Monday night, according to ESPN.

Want $250 to bet on NFL Week 16?

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is unlikely to play in the big showdown with the Green Bay Packers on Monday night because of a shoulder injury, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday.

Cook has been a huge part of their offensive game plan this season behind his strong play out of the backfield. He has been one of the most productive running backs in the league that has earned him his first Pro Bowl nod as he’s seventh with 1,135 rushing yards and tied for third with13 touchdowns along with 53 catches for 519 receiving yards.

Read: Ryan Fitzpatrick Best Man For The Team – Brian Flores

His absence lives a gaping hole in the offense as he has helped bring some tremendous balance while showing he can be a versatility factor. The Vikings will likely look to lean on a collective approach of Mike Boone to head the charge in the backfield.

Boone was a huge factor in place of Cook last week as he had a pair of touchdowns along with 56 rushing yards on 13 carries. The team is already without rookie Alexander Mattison, who is dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out of the lineup for last week’s game.