Vikings finally cutting Cook loose

The Vikings are releasing RB Dalvin Cook, according to multiple reports. The move (or a trade) has been anticipated all offseason. His departure leaves Alexander Mattison as the top candidate to lead Minnesota's backfield, and there's big volume upside. Cook ranked 11th among RBs in opportunity share last season, the team's first under HC Kevin O'Connell. Ty Chandler, DeWayne McBride and Kene Nwangwu will compete for roles behind Mattison. Cook now hits the open market, ready to significantly alter the RB projections for some new team. Check our fantasy football RB rankings for updated numbers.

Ravens RB Dalvin Cook has been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster. RB Melvin Gordon was released in a corresponding move. Cook is expected to play in Saturday's Divisional Round game vs. the Texans, according to his agency. Cook was abysmal with the Jets this season and joined the Ravens just a couple of weeks ago, so we're not optimistic about his odds of making a major impact this weekend. But his presence certainly doesn't help the fantasy outlooks of RBs Gus Edwards and Justice Hill.

Ravens HC John Harbaugh was asked Wednesday if RB Dalvin Cook is an insurance policy or a legitimate competitor for playing time this postseason. His response: "We view him as potentially a very valuable weapon for our offense. Dalvin Cook is a high-pedigree player, a highly decorated player. He's still got talent, ability, he's smart, he's in great football shape. He looked very good in practice today. So I think he's going to be a very valuable part of our team in the playoffs." Cook is certainly a big name, but he was one of the least effective runners in the league with the Jets this season. Cook mustered just 3.2 yards per carry, ranked dead last among 68 qualifying RBs in Pro Football Focus rushing grade, and ranked 57th among those 68 in Elusive Rating. We're not excited about Cook the player. But the fact that he has a chance to carve out a role for a team with a good shot at getting three playoff games makes Cook worth a shot as a flyer in some fantasy playoff contests.

Ex-Jets RB Dalvin Cook is expected to sign with the Ravens ahead of the playoffs, according to multiple reports. That's a sensible addition for a Baltimore backfield down to Gus Edwards and Justice Hill as meaningful contributors. We'll see how Cook fits in. But unless Ravens coaches say so, there's no reason to expect Cook to leap ahead of either Edwards or Hill in role. Cook averaged just 4.5 carries and 1.0 receptions per game across 15 appearances this year with a Jets offense that hasn't been good. His 3.2 yards per rush and 5.2 yards per catch both sit well below his career marks in those categories. If you're playing playoff fantasy football, you can stash Cook late. We like the Ravens' chances of making a deep run. Just don't expect big things from Cook.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Jets are releasing RB Dalvin Cook. There's no fantasy impact here, because Cook didn't touch the ball the past two games and totaled just 2 touches the week before that. Rookie Israel Abanikanda carried twice and caught four of seven targets as the No. 2 RB in last Thursday night's loss to the Browns. Breece Hall is the only member of the Jets backfield you should be paying attention to if you're playing in Week 18. The timing of this release gives Cook a chance to catch on elsewhere, but we'd be surprised if he lands a meaningful role with a playoff team. Beyond that, we're not expecting much from Cook in 2024 either. The 28-year-old doesn't appear to have much left.

Dalvin Cook is expected to open the season as the Jets' lead back, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "Dalvin Cook is expected to get the bulk of the carries for the New York Jets at least during the early part of the season," Rapoport adds. "My understanding is that they'll be extremely smart and safe with" RB Breece Hall. No surprises here. Cook figures to be the more reliable fantasy option early in the season. But Hall's touches should climb throughout the year.