The Minnesota Vikings have missed running back Dalvin Cook for the last four games due to his lingering hamstring injury. However, their wait to have him back in their lineup might finally be coming to an end on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

Per Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune:

Sources have said the Vikings plan to play Dalvin Cook on a limited snap count Sunday. They went into the Cardinals game with a similar plan, before Cook’s hamstring wasn’t feeling good that Sunday. He was on the practice field again Friday, though, and the hope is he’ll play.

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The Vikings have sorely missed Cook, who has played in just three games thus far this season, rushing for 98 yards on 36 carries with 107 yards on nine receptions. Without Cook, the Vikings’ running game has continued to struggle. They’re currently ranked down in 28th in rushing DVOA.

Latavius Murray has done a decent job in Cook’s absence. Over the past three weeks, he has rushed for 280 yards on 5.4 yards per carry with four touchdowns. But despite Murray's best efforts, he just doesn’t provide the big-play threat that Cook brings to the table.

The Vikings will have to wait a little longer to get the Cook who’s capable of providing those explosive plays as they plan to limit his workload against the Lions. But still, the fact that he’ll finally be back in the lineup is a big step in the right direction as they look to take control of the NFC North.