Justin Jefferson may be the engine that keeps the Vikings offense running, but Dalvin Cook is a huge part of it as well. The running back went for over 1,000 yards for the fourth straight season this year, racking up 1,173 yards on 264 carries.
Despite what was an overall up-and-down season (Cook's stats were certainly helped along by some big plays and analytics don't favor him), Cook remains important to Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings offense. He was battling an injury in Week 18 against the Bears, having limped off the field before returning again.
The Vikings will want Cook healthy, as the Giants have among the worst rushing defenses in the NFL, 27th overall. The Vikings had just 488 yards this year outside of Cook, so his influence in the offense is perfectly clear.
As it's been throughout Cook's career, protecting the ball has been his biggest bugaboo this year, having put the ball on the ground four times.
As Cook battles a leg injury, O'Connell said he "took a cleat to the leg" against the Bears, which led to his trip to the medical tent. O'Connell added Cook should be good to go.
Kevin O’Connell said Chandon Sullivan had a knee contusion. Dalvin Cook took a cleat to the leg, but both should be good to go for the playoffs, O’Connell said.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) January 8, 2023
Is Dalvin Cook playing this week against the Giants?
Cook seems like he should be fine to go against the Giants on Sunday.
According to O'Connell, the injury isn't structural. Rather, Cook was spiked against the Bears, which led to his medical tent visit.
Dalvin Cook is being looked at in the blue medical tent right now.
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 8, 2023
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/LBIP4j6Z07
O'Connell also said Cook will practice in full.
Who is the Vikings' backup running back?
In the event Cook does miss any time Saturday, the Vikings have Alexander Mattison waiting in the wings.
The Vikings don't do running back by committee -- even Mattison only has 74 carries for 283 yards this year -- but Mattison would undoubtedly be able to step up if called upon.
That shouldn't be the case, barring something happening in-game. There's nothing to indicate Cook will miss any of Sunday's game, so Vikings fans can sleep soundly knowing their main back is in play.
