Report: Vikings' Dalvin Cook Expected to Miss at Least 2 Games with Shoulder Injury

Minnesota Vikings star Dalvin Cook is expected to miss at least the next two games after suffering a shoulder injury in Sunday's 34-26 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Schefter noted the hope is Cook will be able to return for a Dec. 20 contest against the Chicago Bears.

Head coach Mike Zimmer told reporters Monday that Cook was viewed as "day-to-day":

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported earlier Monday that Cook had been diagnosed with a torn labrum after an MRI on his dislocated shoulder. However, per Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Zimmer said that wasn't the case.

Zimmer would not disclose, though, whether the running back suffered a dislocation.

According to Rapoport, Cook missed the final two regular-season games in 2019 with a similar injury. Cook returned for a playoff matchup with the New Orleans Saints, rushing for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

The two-time Pro Bowler was carted off the field during the loss to the 49ers. The team said afterward he'd be out for the remainder of the contest with a shoulder injury.

The 26-year-old has put together another big season. He has run for 734 yards and four touchdowns and caught 21 passes for 138 yards.

Alexander Mattison takes over as the primary ball-carrier when he's absent.

Mattison looked great earlier in the year when filling in for Cook. In two starts against the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions, he ran for 225 yards on 51 carries. It's difficult to take much from either performance since both opponents have below-average run defenses.

At 5-6, the Vikings occupy the final wild-card spot in the NFC. Given their precarious position, losing Cook for any length of time will likely be big trouble.