Report: Vikings' Cook to miss Week 17 following father's death

Running back Dalvin Cook will miss the Minnesota Vikings' regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Cook flew back to his hometown of Miami following the death of his father, James Cook, at the age of 46, according to Tomasson.

The entire Vikings organization is thinking of Dalvin and his family following the passing of Dalvin's father, James Cook.

- Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 30, 2020

Cook, 25, wanted to conclude what has been a stellar 2020 campaign with his teammates Sunday but felt it was best to be home with his younger siblings, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The Florida State product was to be presented Wednesday with the Korey Stringer Good Guy Award, given to players for their cooperation and professionalism with the media, per ESPN's Courtney Cronin.

Cook's 1,557 rushing yards rank second in the league, behind only the Tennessee Titans' Derrick Henry. He also set career bests this season with 16 rushing touchdowns and a five yards-per-carry average.

It's unclear who will receive the majority of carries for the Vikings in Week 17. Backup runner Alexander Mattison missed the team's Week 16 loss to the New Orleans Saints with a concussion. Third-string tailback Mike Boone could see an increase in playing time if Mattison remains unavailable.

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