Vikings RB Depth Takes Major Hit as Alexander Mattison and Dalvin Cook Both Out
By Michael Luciano
The Minnesota Vikings have quickly become one of the best teams in the league at running the ball between the tackles, but they will have to take on the Green Bay Packers in primetime without both their Pro Bowl starter and solid rookie backup.
Starting tailback Dalvin Cook, who has piled up 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, and former Boise State running back Alexander Mattison have been ruled out for Monday Night, leaving third string running back Mike Boone in line for most of the carries.
#Vikings RBs Alexander Mattison and Dalvin Cook are both officially out tonight. Mike Boone is the #Vikings' starting RB tonight. Some fantasy owners relying on him.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) December 23, 2019
Boone, a former star in college at Cincinnati, got a few cups of coffee with Minnesota last year. He has 97 yards rushing on 21 carries this season, including two touchdowns that he scored in last week's domination of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Expect former Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah to spell Boone when he needs a breather. This isn't exactly the most formative running back duo that offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski has utilized in Minnesota.
There’s a special cult out there that are relying on Mike Boone to win a fantasy championship. I am a proud member of that cult. pic.twitter.com/sMijYTTPYv
— ßçœtt Høwętt (@SHowett_13) December 23, 2019
Boone is going to make and break a lot of hearts in fantasy championships Monday night, and Green Bay's stifling rush defense could make it difficult for Boone to break through for any sort of big gain.