Mattison lands on COVID list

The Vikings have placed RB Alexander Mattison on the COVID list. They also claimed RB Wayne Gallman off waivers from the Falcons. These moves shouldn't really matter for fantasy football purposes, with Dalvin Cook back. But we'll keep our fingers crossed that Mattison's COVID situation doesn't affect Cook as well.

RB Alexander Mattison sits second on the Vikings' depth chart right now. But he'll climb a peg if RB Dalvin Cook is traded or released. And HC Kevin O'Connell sounds confident that Mattison could handle the lead role. “It’s been really good to see Alex Mattison take a few more reps and really show that all three-down kinda ownership that he’s been capable of for a long time,” O’Connell said Wednesday. Mattison has shown the ability to handle hefty workloads in the past. He's topped 20 touches five times over the last three seasons. His RB29 ADP in recent FFPC drafts will prove to be a bargain if Cook departs before Week 1.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Vikings have agreed to a two-year deal with RB Alexander Mattison. The deal will pay him $7 million, with a max value of $8 million and $6.35 million guaranteed. Mattison's return will get more interesting if/when the Dalvin Cook trade rumors come true. Even in that case, Mattison's presence won't preclude Minnesota from adding someone else -- either via the NFL Draft or free agency. Don't go nuts over Mattison in best ball drafts. But he's OK to mix in as a RB4 or later RB3.

Vikings RB Alexander Mattison (shoulder) is active for today’s game vs. the Dolphins. He was limited in practice all week and listed as questionable, but we never heard much concern about his status. Mattison should be ready for his usual role today. He played a season-high 43% of Minnesota’s offensive snaps last week.

Vikings RB Alexander Mattison (shoulder) is expected to play vs. the Dolphins today, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mattison is listed as questionable but should be ready for his usual #2 RB duties behind Dalvin Cook.

Vikings RB Alexander Mattison (shoulder) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the Dolphins. We haven’t heard any concern about his availability, but we’ll check his status on Sunday morning. Mattison’s absence would be a boost to RB Dalvin Cook.