Vikings RB Dalvin Cook Returns to Practice

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook returned to practice on Tuesday, opening the door for him to possibly play against the Steelers on Thursday night.


Cook practiced Tuesday in a limited basis, his first practice session since suffering a shoulder injury in Week 12.

The Vikings’ second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Cook has accounted for at least 1,500 total yards and 13 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, but has played in just nine games this season while dealing with injuries.

In those nine games, Cook has rushed 171 times for 773 yards, a 4.5 yards per carry average, and has scored four touchdowns. Backup Alexander Mattison has 110 rushes for 405 yards (3.7 yards per carry) and just two scores.

Strangely, the Vikings are 3-6 when Cook plays and 2-1 when he does not, though they lost on Sunday without him to the previously winless Detroit Lions.

That game also featured absences by top wide receiver Adam Thielen and tackle Christian Darrisaw. Both of those players missed Tuesday’s practice and are unlikely to dress on Thursday night.