Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has once again emerged as one of the top players in his position this season. The 25-year-old, however, had a bit of an uncharacteristic showing against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, which according to Vikings offensive coach Gary Kubiak could be chalked off to fatigue and a number of minor knocks.
Speaking on a KFAN radio interview that aired Tuesday, Kubiak tried to provide some light as to why Cook did not look like himself against Carolina:
“You know what I think? He’s just beat up,” Vikings offensive Gary Kubiak said in via Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press (h/t Charean Williams of NBC Sports). “He’s been hit pretty hard the last couple of weeks, taken some poundings.”
Cook rushed a total of 18 times on Sunday for 61 yards, while also catching 4-of-4 targets for 21 yards. It was far from a horrendous performance, but it wasn't exactly the type that we've gotten used to from him. Nonetheless, the Vikings still managed to score a hard-fought win against a testy Panthers side, 28-27.
Kubiak also went on to share what he believes the Vikings must do to help Cook get back on track:
“We struggled to get the run game going (against the Panthers). It’s at that point of the season, so we’ve got to get him freshened up this week and get him back to being himself. But I think he’s just kind of beat up over the past couple of weeks.”
Minnesota will be back in action on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it will be interesting to see what type of Dalvin Cook shows up to that one.
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