The Minnesota Vikings are heading into their Week 16 matchup on Monday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers with a chance to keep their hopes alive for the NFC North division title. Unfortunately, they will likely have to do it without star running back Dalvin Cook on the field.

According to a report from Pro Football Talk, Cook is unlikely to play this week against the Packers.

This is a huge blow for the Vikings, who saw Cook put up a monster performance against the Packers earlier this season. He carried the football 20 times for 154 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 against Green Bay. Cook also caught three passes for 37 yards.

Green Bay's defense has had trouble against the run this season. They are still going to have to deal with rookie running back Alexander Mattison and fellow running back Mike Boone. However, Cook is a massive threat and Mike Pettine can adjust his game plan a bit to help slow down Kirk Cousins.

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It is likely that Cook will miss the Vikings' final game of the season as well. Adam Schefter has previously reported that he doesn't expect Cook to play in either of the team's final two games.

Expect to see the Vikings come in and look to establish their two running backs early. If that fails, Cousins will have to rely on Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen to make plays all game long against a tough Packers' pass rush and a secondary capable of making plays.