Since suffering a torn ACL last September in his rookie season, Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has continued to progress in his recovery from the injury. Throughout the process, he has kept his eyes solely directed on getting himself physically ready well ahead of the start of the 2018 season.
The 22-year-old has remained quite optimistic about his rehab with no concerns about his availability in his second campaign. According to Tom Pelissero of The NFL Network, head coach Mike Zimmer stated on Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine that Cook should be in line to participate in OTAs later on this offseason.
Zimmer said Dalvin Cook, who tore his ACL in September, is going to be “pretty close” to being ready for OTAs. Head ATC Eric Sugarman has told Zimmer he’ll be good as new, better. All progressing well.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 1, 2018
With Zimmer chiming on the situation in the same positive manner to Cook speak to how close he is to making his return to the field. The former Florida State product is dealing with a significant injury that typically takes around nine months to a year to fully recover, and it appears that he is well ahead of that time frame.
Prior to the injury, Cook had shown plenty of potential through the first month of the season posting 354 rushing yards while hauling in 11 catches for 90 receiving yards over that stretch.
This includes recording 127 rushing yards in their season-opening win over the New Orleans Saints.
This should also make their running back situation more clear with Cook likely to step back in as the lead running back next season pushing Latavius Murray to resume backup duties. It could also see his tenure come to an end after one season as Murray's three-year, $15 million that he signed last offseason as the team could before his $5.15 million salary becomes guaranteed on March 16.
The Vikings are already expected to lose running back Jerick McKinnon in free agency as he's eyeing a greater role that should come elsewhere with Dalvin Cook being the clear-cut starter. This alone makes it evident how much weight that Minnesota has put on his shoulders to be future of the franchise in the backfield. In the meantime, Cook's continued progress in his recovery is another step forward toward him being on the field in 2018.
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