Packers vs Vikings Week 7: Cook's Arrest First Nail in the Coffin for Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings secondary took another blow this weekend when CB Chris Cook was arrested early Saturday morning for domestic assault.

Pro Football Talk's Gregg Rosenthal reports that Cook could face two misdemeanors: one for domestic assault and one for intentional attempts to inflict bodily harm on another.

This report didn't come as much of a surprise after Cook was arrested over the summer for brandishing a handgun in his hometown of Lynchburg, VA. Cook was acquitted of these charges, but the fact that he was involved in that kind of situation does not bode well for his character as an NFL player.

The 2011 season has thus far been kind to Cook. The former second-round pick was really coming into his own as one of the best corners on the roster. Cook has matched up against some of the best receivers in football already this season and played very well.

He would likely face Green Bay's Greg Jennings this weekend.

It is still unclear whether or not Vikings' coach Leslie Frazier will sit Cook, but considering the charges against him, he will likely see a suspension from the NFL.

With CB Antoine Winfield and FS Jamarca Sanford already listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Packers, the loss of Cook could be the first nail in the coffin for Minnesota.

Aaron Rodgers already commands one of the most prolific passing attacks in the NFL. Without their two top corners, the Vikings' secondary will likely be shredded by a receiving corps that goes seven deep.

If Cook is deactivated from this game, the Vikings corners will include Cedric Griffin, who is still battling back from two ACL injuries, Asher Allen, Marcus Scherels and Brandon Burton—all pretty undersized corners. FS Mistral Raymond could also be in the mix, but with Sanford out as well, Raymond might have to do some moving around.

Though Raymond is very flexible as a defensive back, too much playing time could be concerning for the Vikings staff, considering this would be the first time he'd be active for a regular season game.

With the Vikings ailing secondary, Minnesota better hope that they get just about every ounce of effort from their defensive line and linebackers. An offense led by a rookie QB with a shoddy offensive line will not be sufficient to keep the Vikings in this game.

We can hope that Cook will be active for this game, but it's hard to imagine that disciplinary action not being taken—especially considering this is not a first offense for Cook.

Update: Cook has been ruled "out" for Sunday's game as he is held in custody over the weekend before appearing before a judge on Monday morning. The charges have been officially ruled as "domestic assault/strangulation." This could mean more than a misdemeanor for Cook and could potentially cost him some more playing time or even his NFL career.

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