NFL insider updates Dalvin Cook's status for TNF game vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Don’t ever question the toughness of Dalvin Cook. With an all-important game up next on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the former Florida State star is doing what he can to be on the field.

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Cook could shockingly return for the Minnesota Vikings to give them an edge on offense.

“Vikings RB Dalvin Cook is now trending towards playing tonight against the Steelers just 11 days after dislocating his left shoulder, per sources,” tweeted Pelissero. “He’s officially listed as questionable but has gotten first-team reps in practice and wants to give it a go.”

When Cook first injured his shoulder, many theorized it could’ve ended his season. Instead, the Vikings star could be back sooner than anyone expected. After a demoralizing loss to the Detroit Lions, the Vikings could use Cook leading their backfield.

Thus far in 2021, Cook has rushed for 773 yards and four touchdowns. While it hasn’t been the tremendous season we’re used to from Cook, it’s been more than good enough.

With their season on the line, the Minnesota Vikings will want Dalvin Cook on the field.

Steelers at Vikings: Injury report from Wednesday

Pittsburgh Steelers:

• CB Joe Haden — DNP (Foot/OUT),
• LB Robert Spillane — DNP (Knee/OUT),
• OL B.J. Finney — DNP (Back/OUT),
• DE Isaiah Buggs — DNP (Ankle/OUT)
• QB Ben Roethlisberger — Full Participant (Pec/Shoulder)
• WR Chase Claypool — Full Participant (Toe)
• OL Trai Turner — Full Participant (Coaches Decision),
• DT Cameron Heyward — Full Participant (Coaches Decision)

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, Joe Haden was eyeing a possible return this week after missing the last two games, but missed the entire week’s practices with his knee injury.

Spillane was in the same position after suffering a knee sprain against the Bengals. Joining them on the injury report is Finney and Buggs, both of which were also unavailable for practice all week long.

With the short week and all four players being unavailable for practice, the Steelers have ruled all four of them out for their game against the Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings: 

• T Christian Darrisaw — DNP (Ankle)
• WR Adam Thielen — DNP (Ankle)
• S Camryn Bynum — Questionable (Ankle)
• RB Dalvin Cook — Questionable (Shoulder)
• LB Blake Lynch — Questionale (Hip)

The Vikings will enter Thursday’s game unsure about the status of running back Dalvin Cook. After suffering a dislocated shoulder just two weeks ago, Cook’s recovery has impressed the Vikings and Cook himself feels ready to play on Thursday. As of now, Cook will be a game-time decision.

Cornerback Patrick Peterson was activated by the Vikings from the COVID-19 list and should help shore up their defense, while receiver Adam Thielen is expected to be out with his high ankle sprain.