Dalvin Cook Excited for Return from COVID-19 List

EAGAN, Minn. — There was a chance Dalvin Cook was going to play against the Packers all along in Week 17.

The Vikings running back, who went on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday, likely would have been activated from that list Saturday based on his recent adherence to league-wide protocols for unvaccinated players.

But Minnesota now knows it will for sure have Cook available Sunday night in Green Bay, as the NFL recently altered its timeline for those on the list — meaning Cook was back with the team and at practice Wednesday.

“Great to have Dalvin back. He’s such a special player, a great teammate,” said Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. “It was great to see him back in the building this morning when I got in the locker room.”

Cook, who leads the NFC and ranks fourth in the league with 1,067 rushing yards, was excited about his return to the field when he spoke to Twin Cities media members via videoconference.

“Frustrating to be put on that list, especially with how important these games are during the season,” Cook said. “I wanted to be out there with my team and wanted to compete with those guys.

“Those guys know how much it means to me to be out there to help them contribute to a win. I was frustrated watching it on TV,” Cook added. “I wish this rule would have come out last week so I could have come back earlier, but it didn’t. I’m just glad everything worked out that I’m back this week.”