On Thursday, the Vikings hit an obstacle before their Week 16 matchup: their primary running back went on the COVID-19/Reserve list.
Later that day, the team confirmed that RB Dalvin Cook would be out for the Rams game this week. Cook is unvaccinated, which means he has to quarantine for 10 days. The good news there is that Cook could make a speedy return to face the Packers on Jan. 2 if all goes well.
However, that’s not a given, so the Vikings will have to adjust. On Wednesday, Minnesota removed RB Alexander Mattison from the COVID-19/Reserve list. Mattison was out for the Bears game due to COVID-19 protocol. His return will be a big boost.
Mattison has at least 90 rushing yards in all his starts this season. He’s considered among the best backup running backs in the NFL. Minnesota OC Klint Kubiak said Mattison will start in Week 16.
After Mattison, the team has rookie RB Kene Nwangwu on the depth chart. Nwangwu had 33 yards on just three carries when he filled in for Mattison as the second running back on Monday against the Bears. The team also has
RB Wayne Gallman on the active roster and RB A.J. Rose on the practice squad.
