Dalvin Cook active for TNF vs. Steelers
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is officially active for Thursday night's contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A dislocated shoulder suffered in Week 12 sidelined Cook for last Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. He was listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup but received first-team reps in practice, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Minnesota reportedly initially expected Cook back for the Week 15 matchup with the Chicago Bears, but an intense rehab on his shoulder pushed him ahead of schedule. Cook will use a harness to protect his shoulder, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Cook missed time earlier this season due to an ankle injury. He's rushed for 773 yards and four touchdowns across nine games in 2021.
Alexander Mattison got the start in last Sunday's loss to the Lions, rushing for 90 yards on 22 carries. He's filled in admirably in the three starts he's made this season in place of Cook, going over 100 rushing yards in two of them.
The Vikings are looking to get back on track against a Steelers team that has allowed an average of 130.9 rushing yards per game.