Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. ((Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Vikings welcome fans back to U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday for the first time in nearly two years, and they’ll be without one of their top offensive players against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Vikings declared running back Dalvin Cook inactive. Cook injured his ankle during last Sunday’s 34-33 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The injury happened during the second half after getting tackled by JJ Watt. Cook finished the game with 22 carries for 131 yards, but was clearly hobbled in the second half.
Cook didn't practice all week, and was listed as questionable on the injury report. Alexander Mattison will get the start, and Ameer Abdullah will likely see time at running back after being elevated from the practice squad.
It’s a crucial game for the Vikings, as they’re already off to an 0-2 start with losses at Cincinnati and Arizona. A loss to the Seahawks would mean an 0-3 start, and the window quickly closing for the NFC Playoffs.
Cook finished second in the NFL in rushing last season with 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also became a weapon in the passing game for Kirk Cousins. Through two games, Cook has 192 rushing yards and one touchdown.
The Vikings will also be without Anthony Barr, Christian Darrisaw and Harrison Hand on Sunday. Barr is working his way back from a knee issue, Darrisaw is coming back from a core/groin issue and Hand has a hamstring injury. He was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list this week.
Also inactive are quarterback Kellen Mond, defensive tackle James Lynch and defensive end Patrick Jones II.
Everson Griffen cleared concussion protocol and should be able to play against the Seahawks. Kickoff is at 3:25 p.m.