Dalvin Cook Reportedly Won't Play for Vikings vs. Lions After Death of Father

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook reportedly will miss Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions after the death of his father James.

The Vikings confirmed the death of Cook's father after ESPN's Courtney Cronin reported the running back was tending to a family emergency and would not play in the season finale.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero noted Cook returned home to Miami to be with his siblings after James Cook died unexpectedly on Tuesday.

The Florida State product is the biggest playmaker in an offense that also features Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen and will be sorely missed in Week 17.

Cook has 1,557 rushing yards, 361 receiving yards and 17 total touchdowns in 14 games as a follow-up effort to a Pro Bowl season in 2019 that saw him tally 1,135 rushing yards, 519 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.

Minnesota is nowhere near the same threat offensively when he is not out there, but it can at least turn toward the solid Alexander Mattison when it plays Detroit.

Don't be surprised if Kirk Cousins leans even more on Jefferson and Thielen in Cook's absence.