Report: Vikings' Cook unlikely to play on MNF vs. Packers

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is unlikely to suit up for his team's crucial Monday night showdown against the Green Bay Packers due to a shoulder injury, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Cook was unable to finish last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers after suffering the injury. He had already been dealing with a previous shoulder injury and a chest issue.

Head coach Mike Zimmer said on Monday that Cook can play through the injury, but it appears Minnesota will be trying to clinch a playoff spot without its leading rusher.

The Vikings are leaning toward shutting Cook down for the final two games of the regular season so he can be healthy for the playoffs, sources told Courtney Cronin of ESPN.

The Vikings sit a game behind the Packers in the NFC North. If Kirk Cousins and Co. beat their rivals in Week 16, they'll still need Green Bay to slip up in the regular-season finale to win the division, as the Packers hold the tiebreaker.

Rookie Alexander Mattison has been Cook's primary backup this season, but he missed Week 15 with an ankle injury. Minnesota could be forced to roll with a backfield of Ameer Abdullah, Mike Boone, and fullback C.J. Ham.

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