Vikings RB Dalvin Cook went home to Miami to attend to a family situation and won't be able to play vs. the Lions this weekend due to COVID protocols, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. We'll see if RB Alexander Mattison clears the concussion protocol in time for that one. If not, Minnesota would be down to RBs Ameer Abdullah and Mike Boone. Abdullah has played ahead of Boone the last 3 games Mattison missed.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) isn't listed on the final injury report. He practiced all week, including full workouts on Thursday and Friday. That all points to Cook being ready to handle a full workload. It's possible that Minnesota mixes RB Alexander Mattison in a bit more than they were before, but Cook is back to easy RB1 status.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice for the 1st time since hurting that ankle in Week 2. He's on track to return for Sunday's game vs. the Panthers -- and it looks like he's ready to resume lead-back duties. We'll see if Minnesota mixes in RB Alexander Mattison more than before, but Cook should be considered a RB1 for Week 6.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) put in a limited practice on Wednesday. He didn't practice at all last Wednesday, so you could consider this a step in the right direction. Cook's availability for this weekend's game vs. the Panthers remains uncertain. We'll get another update on his status tomorrow.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) is INACTIVE for today’s game against the Lions. It’s a smart move by Minnesota to sit him. Cook’s absence turns Alexander Mattison into a RB1. He racked up 171 yards on 32 touches when Cook was inactive in Week 3.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) remains a game-time decision for today's tilt with the Lions. "If Cook plays, it’s no sure thing he will get his usual workload and, either way, it also shapes up as an active day for Vikings’ RB Alexander Mattison," ESPN's Adam Schefter tweets. We'll get Cook's game status around 11:30 am ET. But he'll be more of a risk/reward RB2 if active. Consider Mattison a RB3 if Cook is active and a RB1 if Cook is out.