Dalvin Cook expects to play in Week 4 vs. Browns despite questionable tag

Friday update: Although Cook is listed as questionable, the running back told Tom Pelissero he expects to return to the field Sunday against the Browns.

Friday update: The Vikings have listed Cook as questionable for Sunday’s game. Head coach Mike Zimmer told the media, “He looked pretty good today.”

Thursday update: Dalvin Cook got in a limited practice once again on Thursday, but it’s a good sign that he got through Wednesday’s practice without any setbacks. It sure looks like he’ll be ready to return this week to face the Browns.

Wednesday PM update: Dalvin Cook was able to get in a limited practice on Wednesday, per the injury report. Hopefully he’ll be able to ramp things up as the week goes. This is a good sign for his status in Week 4.

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook returned to practice Wednesday ahead of the team’s Week 4 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, per Chris Tomasson. Cook did not play in last Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks due to an ankle injury.

Fantasy football implications

Before going down with an ankle injury, Cook started off the regular season with two solid performances. In Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the veteran running back had 61 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown, along with six receptions for 43 yards (20.4 fantasy points).

He then followed up that outing with 131 yards on 22 carries against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2. Cook scored 16.8 fantasy points, once again solidifying his status as a weekly top-10 RB play.

However, the Vikings’ offense did not skip a beat without Cook as Alexander Mattison took over and ran for 112 yards on 26 carries. He also was a factor in the receiving game with six receptions for 59 yards (23.1 fantasy points). If Cook cannot play or is not fully 100% by time the game kicks off, Mattison is a solid backup option in fantasy football.