Minnesota Vikings: 3 Players to watch vs. 49ers in Week 1
By Randy Gurzi
3. Dalvin Cook, Running Back
A second-round pick in 2017 out of Florida State, Dalvin Cook was off to a fast start with the Vikings. In just four games, Cook had 354 yards and two touchdowns. He had another 90 yards on 11 receptions.
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Then a torn ACL ended his season and the Vikings depth was tested once again. Already without starting quarterback Sam Bradford, the Vikings had to turn to reserve running backs Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon. Both played well and kept the Vikings from being one-dimensional on offense.
Now back on the field and ready to put the injury behind him, Cook hopes to pick up where he left off. Helping him will be the addition of Kirk Cousins, who forces defenses to worry more about the pass — therefore keeping safeties from stacking the box.
On top of the rehab from his injury, Cook is also dealing with personal tragedy. His uncle and cousin were both victims in a shooting, with his uncle being in a coma. The game obviously is secondary to the real-life concerns Cook is facing, but he still plans to be there with his teammates on Sunday.
As for the game, seeing how Cook looks post-surgery could be a big thing. If he looks like the player he was before the ACL tear, this offense could be deadly.