The start of the regular season is just a few days away,  and teams around the league are making the final touches to their rosters concerning the depth chart.

According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, the Vikings have decided to name rookie running back Dalvin Cook as the starter ahead of the season opener on Monday night against the New Orleans Saints.

The Vikings have second-round pick Dalvin Cook, third-round pick Pat Elflein and fourth-round pick Ben Gedeon listed as starters on their depth chart heading into Monday’s game against the Saints.

Article Continues Below

Cook has earned the starting job over offseason addition Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon. The 22-year old was selected with the 41st overall pick in the second round in this year's draft, immediately thrusting him into the conversation for earning the starting spot.

He has a chance to take up a significant role in the offense with his unique skillset as both a rusher and receiver out of the backfield with his big-play ability. He will likely take up the role as the early-down tailback, with Murray taking up third-down and short yardage situations.

Cook had a highly productive three-year collegiate career at Florida State, where he accumulated 4,464 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns earning, two First-Team All-American selections and two First-Team All-ACC nods.