The Minnesota Vikings will be without running back Dalvin Cook for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Cook has been nursing an injured groin in recent weeks. He was trending towards inactive status, and the team announced Friday Cook will indeed sit out Week 6.

The 25-year-old had once again established himself as the focal point of Minnesota's offensive attack through the first few weeks of the season.

Cook has rushed for 489 yards and seven touchdowns on 5.3 yards per carry, though he has not been quite as involved in the passing game.

The former Florida State star had been explosive through the first four weeks, but he averaged just 3.8 yards per carry in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. Minnesota vill give Cook a week off to rest up and recover.

It seems like the sensible move, especially considering how effective Alexander Mattison has been as a change-of-pace back this season.

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Mattison has rushed for 219 yards of his own, with 112 coming against the Seahawks. The second-yer back has not seen a ton of usage, but he will get a crack at being the featured back against Atlanta.

The Vikings are desperately trying to climb out of a 1-4 hole.

While Minnesota is having plenty of success on the ground, Kirk Cousins has thrown seven interceptions and turned the ball over eight times. However, the more concerning issues come on the defensive side of the ball.

The Vikings rank 26th in total yards against, and have seen a sharp drop-off on defense in part to to injuries sustained by Anthony Barr and Danielle Hunter, as well as an experienced secondary.

Minnesota will have to continue to try and assert its will on the ground, with Mattison taking over for Cook this week.