Minnesota Vikings star running back Dalvin Cook returned home to Miami after his father suddenly died and won’t be in action for Week 17’s regular-season finale.
Multiple reports indicated that Cook’s father, James Cook, passed away at only 46 years of age.
Vikings news: Dalvin Cook to miss Sunday’s game vs. Detroit Lions
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Cook wanted to be back home with his siblings as they deal with their father’s tragic death. Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press provided further details:
Although it’s an sudden, sad end to the 2020 NFL season for Cook, he was brilliant in amassing 1,557 rushing yards in only 14 games. That total ranks second in the league, trailing only Tennessee Titans reigning rushing champion Derrick Henry.
Cook made the Pro Bowl for a second consecutive season this year, but the annual pro football All-Star game won’t take place due to COVID-19 circumstances. Despite a down year for Minnesota as a team, Cook proved himself to be among the game’s elite skill players.
The Vikings’ electrifying ball-carrier is also tied for first in the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns and racked up 44 receptions for 361 yards and another score this season.
In terms of how Cook’s absence impacts Sunday’s impending NFC North game, Minnesota should be able to function fine on offense without him against a putrid Lions defense and with Kirk Cousins throwing to the dynamic receiving duo of Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson.
But more importantly, this latest Vikings news is very tragic, and condolences and well wishes should go to Cook’s family above all else.
One of Cook’s siblings, named for his father, is a junior running back for the Georgia Bulldogs who’s averaged 6.7 yards per carry this year en route to 303 yards rushing and three touchdowns, along with 16 catches, 225 receiving yards and two scores. Georgia is slated to face Cincinnati in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day.