Cook reported to training camp on time, but he may take limited reps in practice while the contract situation plays out.Ĭook's return from a torn ACL in his rookie season didn't go according to plan. With a competent backup available in Alexander Mattison, the Vikings likely will continue to keep a close eye on Cook's workload, and they might even decide to play hardball when it comes to negotiations on a long-term contract. Despite the dynamic numbers, the 5-10, 210-pound Cook still is not completely free of his injury-prone reputation, as the team sat him for the final two games of the regular season while he nursed a shoulder injury, before he scored twice in an upset win over New Orleans in the opening round of the playoffs. Cook's burst through the hole and speed in the open field remain his greatest assets, and his well-rounded skill set keeps him on the field in most situations and makes him arguably the key figure in a Minnesota offense that finished third in the NFL with a 49.1 percent run-play rate. The Florida State product solidified his standing as a three-down weapon, leading the league in carries inside the 5-yard line with 21 while also finishing second to Austin Ekeler in yards per target among running backs (8.2 YPT). ![]() One of these years Cook is going to play 16 games, and 2,000-plus scrimmage yards likely will follow.Ĭook stayed mostly healthy last season and as a result put together a career year, but his improved numbers were more than just a product of increased volume. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak did come up through the ranks focused on the passing game, but his father Gary was no stranger to dominant rushing attacks during his coaching career. The offensive line figures to get better with Ezra Cleveland and Garrett Bradbury solidifying the middle, while coach Mike Zimmer is still predisposed to a ground-and-pound gameplan. The circumstances around him remain extremely favorable as well. His combination of strength, elusiveness and breakaway speed makes him perhaps the most dangerous pure runner in the NFL, and while Cook doesn't have the route-running ability of some other three-down backs, he's recorded at least 40 receptions in three consecutive seasons, proving capable as a pass catcher. He finished second in the league in rushing yards and rushing TDs, behind only Derrick Henry, and no back saw more carries inside the five-yard line or broke more tackles than Cook. Read Past OutlooksĬook once again did not suit up for a full schedule, missing Week 6 last year with a minor groin strain before leaving the team in Week 17 after the death of his father, but his production when he was on the field was phenomenal. He's averaged more than 21 touches and 100 total yards per game three straight seasons, and there isn't much reason for the new coaching staff to reduce Cook's workload after backup Alexander Mattison managed only 3.7 YPC last year. The new offense is expected to give the passing game a more significant boost, but that could also benefit Cook if the Vikings are more efficient overall, particularly if they're playing at a faster pace. Gone is Mike Zimmer and his old-school approach and in his place is former Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell. If there's reason for optimism in 2022, it's the likelihood of positive TD regression and the sweeping changes the Vikings made to their coaching staff. On the other hand, he's missed multiple games every year, including four last season due to ankle and shoulder injuries and a stint in the COVID-19 protocols. He's always been a big-play threat thanks to his blend of power, speed and agility, producing 4.5 yards per carry or better in all five of his NFL seasons, and his nine carries of 20 or more yards In fact, he may be the most consistent top back in the NFL, for good and for bad. While he wasn't able to repeat his huge 2020, particularly when it came to scoring touchdowns,Ĭook still put up good numbers last season, ranking fourth in the NFL with 89.2 rushing yards
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