The Minnesota Vikings will be without their Pro Bowl running back on Monday night against the Green Bay Packers, and they might not have his top backup available, either.
The Vikings ruled out Dalvin Cook (chest) for Monday night’s NFC North showdown with the Packers, who can clinch the division title with a win. Alexander Mattison, Cook’s top backup, is questionable with an ankle injury.
If Cook and Mattison can’t go, third-string running back Mike Boone would take over as the lead back.
Cook, a first-time Pro Bowler in 2019, ran for a season-high 154 yards and ripped off a 75-yard touchdown run in the first meeting against the Packers. Cook and Mattison combined for 179 rushing yards on 24 carries in Week 2.
Over the Vikings’ first 14 games, Cook produced 1,654 yards and 13 total touchdowns for the run-heavy, screen-heavy Minnesota offense. Mattison is averaging 4.6 yards per carry over 100 carries.
The Vikings rank third in rushing attempts and rushing touchdowns and fourth in rushing yards this season.
Boone, an undrafted free agent from Cincinnati, rushed 13 times for 56 yards and two scores as the Vikings routed the Los Angeles Chargers last week. Minnesota also has former Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah.
