The Minnesota Vikings have gotten out to a solid start to the 2018 season behind their potent offense, but it appears that the team will be without one of their key offensive weapons in Week 3 action against the Buffalo Bills.
According to Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network, second-year running back Dalvin Cook is expected to miss the game due to a hamstring injury that has lingered throughout the week.
#Vikings RB Dalvin Cook, who injured his hamstring last week, is officially out for Sunday, per coach Mike Zimmer. So is Everson Griffen
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 21, 2018
This is a significant loss to the backfield as Cook has stepped in as the starter once again in the backfield in his first two games back from an ACL tear as he had produced just 78 rushing yards on 26 carries with nine catches for 107 receiving yards. Although he hasn't had a great impact in the running game, he has proven to be a major factor as a receiver recording at least three catches and 50 receiving yards in each contest.
However, he has been held out of practice this week due to the injury that had put his availability in question. The Vikings are likely taking the precautionary approach with Cook in order to prevent this injury possibly worsening or lead to some other setbacks. Minnesota is counting on him being a major factor out of the backfield and a huge asset toward helping them compete for a Super Bowl this season.
This should also open the door for backup Latavius Murray to step into a prominent role in the backfield as the spot starter in place of Cook. He has been effective in his limited work this season as he has 61 rushing yards on 15 carries in the first two games. He was also effective last year in this similar situation with Cook out as he posted a pair of 100-yard rushing performances while garnering eight rushing touchdowns over that stretch last year
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