Dalvin Cook Expected to Miss Crucial Vikings-Packers NFC North Battle on MNF

The Minnesota Vikings may be without their top offensive weapon when they face off against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16 on Monday Night Football.

Dalvin Cook is expected to be out of commission with a shoulder injury he suffered against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. The news comes as a genuine surprise, as head coach Mike Zimmer previously claimed that his star tailback could play through the pain.

Vikings' RB Dalvin Cook is unlikely to play Monday night vs. Packers, per sources.https://t.co/knG4lwCVu7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 19, 2019

To say that this is a blow to the Vikings ahead of their biggest game of the 2019 season would be an understatement. Minnesota can clinch a playoff berth with a win on Monday, but they only trail the Packers by one game in the NFC North with two weeks remaining in the season. Green Bay, does, however, hold the tiebreaker here.

It's evident that the Vikings' top priority is getting into the dance and having all their offensive weapons fully healthy for a potential Wild Card showdown.

Per ESPN's Courtney Cronin, Minny is considering shutting Cook down for the final two weeks of the regular season, in order to have him healthy for their playoff run.

Dalvin Cook not expected to play vs. Green Bay due to most recent shoulder injury, per @AdamSchefter. Sources I've spoken w/ gave me indication that Vikings are leaning towards shutting him down thru Dec. so he can be healthy if team makes postseason. https://t.co/ouLpAa3PVD
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) December 19, 2019

In the meantime, Mike Boone is Minnesota's projected RB1 for Monday night as the status of second-string rookie Alexander Mattison is also up in the air. Boone was effective in Cook's stead in Week 15, punching in two touchdowns on 13 carries.