Vikings star Dalvin Cook placed on Reserve/COVID-19 list
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook carries the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, in Chicago.[AP Photo/David Banks]
Star Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced Thursday morning.
The Vikings activated running back Alexander Mattson from the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday, and he is now the projected starter for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Per the NFL’s COVID-19 policy, unvaccinated players who test positive for COVID-19 are automatically sidelined for 10 days.
Cook’s absence comes at a pivotal point in Minnesota’s playoff push. The 7-7 Vikings are currently in possession of the seventh and final playoff seed with three games remaining in the regular season.
Cook, who was named to the Pro Bowl roster this week, ranks third in the NFL in total rushing yards and rushing yards per game and eighth in yards from scrimmage.
Wide receiver Dan Chisena and practice-squad guard Kyle Hinton were both activated from COVD-19 protocols.