Unclear if Cook will play in preseason game against Jaguars

Thursday marked the second and final joint practice session between the Vikings and the Jaguars. It turned out to be disappointing for the fans because the team had to clear the stands due to lightning in the air, but the teams would move indoors and continue to work. 

The two teams are schedule to square off against each other Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Both teams have very talented second year running backs - Leonard Fournette of the Jaguars and Dalvin Cook of the Vikings. Cook's rookie season was cut short because of a torn ACL,

Cook did not play in Minnesota's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos last weekend and it's still unclear if he'll play this Saturday against Jacksonville. Even quarterback Kirk Cousins is itching to have the star running back out on the field, but Cousins and Cook both understand that it's not up to them when he plays. Cook says he'll be ready when called upon.

"I know everyone wants to see me out on the field and all that, but coaches know and they really know what’s going on and they know I’ll be ready to go once they call my number,” said Cook. “I don’t get into the whole debate game of me playing or not. They pull my jersey I don’t play – I just sit it out and cheer my team mates on. But when my number does get called to go out there. They know I’ll be ready to go.”

"Yesterday it was great to throw him the football a few times and I’m sure in the preseason games, we hope we can get a little bit of work,” said Cousins. “You do what you can. He’s coming off of injury. It is the preseason and we do have a lot of practice reps and we’ll get all we can get, realistically and we’ll go into Week One ready to go.”

Cook has been involved in all drills during the joint practice sessions.

While it’s uncertain if Cook will play in the preseason game, the Vikings sound optimistic Cook will be able to play Week One.