After missing two games with a shoulder injury, Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook vows to be at “full strength” for Sunday’s wild-card playoff game in New Orleans.
“I feel refreshed,” Cook said on Wednesday. “I’m going to be ready to go. I’m going to be at full strength. Looking forward to a good football game.”
A first-time Pro Bowl selection in 2019, Cook finished seventh in the NFL in yards from scrimmage (1,654) and 10th in rushing (1,135) in just 14 games. His 13 rushing touchdowns were the most by a Viking since Adrian Peterson set the team record with 18 in 2009.
Cook said he is feeling no limitations in his left shoulder, which he injured during a 39-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 15.
Barring a setback, the 2017 second-round draft pick appears on track to make his NFL postseason debut against the Saints.
However, the Vikings could be without a critical piece on defense, as linebacker Eric Kendricks missed Wednesday’s practice with a quad injury.
Kendricks did not practice last week after being hurt in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers, and sat out Sunday’s regular-season finale. Head coach Mike Zimmer said he thinks sitting out last week helped Kendricks’ chances to play against the Saints.
Kendricks, 27, tied Luke Kuechly and Demario Davis for the league-league among linebackers with 12 pass breakups this season. He added 110 tackles and two forced fumbles.
Also absent at Wednesday’s practice was nickel cornerback Mackensie Alexander (knee).