Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has been nursing a shoulder injury that he suffered against the Los Angeles Chargers last week. With a pivotal matchup against the Green Bay Packers looming, Cook’s ability to play remains in doubt. However, according to the running back, Cook said that he’s going to continue preparing as if he’d be playing.
Speaking to the media (via Pro Football Talk) ahead of their matchup, Cook didn’t seem too ready to say he would be out.
“I’m going to go through my normal preparation,” Cook told reporters on Thursday, via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “If I’m ready to go, I’m ready to go.”
Earlier this week, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer noted that pain tolerance wasn’t an issue when it came to Cook. However, multiple reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter seem to suggest that the team will be more careful with their star running back as the season comes to a close. For Cook, it’s all about just getting as healthy as possible.
“It’s just about getting healthy,” Cook said. “Pain and all that comes with the game. You can bare so much. You can do so much. But it’s all about being healthy and I think that’s when I’m at my best for the team.”
In Cook’s place, rookie running back Alexander Mattison – who is also dealing with an ankle injury – may suit up to play, with Mike Boone being the most likely starter as of Thursday. With Monday’s matchup a big one for both NFC teams, it’ll be interesting to see if Cook pushes his team to let him on the field.
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