Packers: Dalvin Cook ruled out for Vikings in Week 16

The Green Bay Packers won’t have to face Dalvin Cook this week.

It looked unlikely the Minnesota Vikings’ star running back would be available for Monday night’s game. Dalvin Cook has now been officially ruled out.

Backup running back Alexander Mattison hasn’t practiced all week but could still be available. He’s listed as questionable on the Vikings’ injury report.

In such a tough game for the Packers, defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s focus needs to be primarily on stopping the run. But that challenge becomes just a bit easier with Cook not playing.

Cook was selected to the Pro Bowl this season and should even be considered an MVP candidate. He has 1,654 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns in 2019. Cook is key to the Vikings’ success on offense, so it’s no surprise why they’re being cautious with his injury.

The Packers know how talented Cook is.

In Week 2, the game looked to be over once Green Bay opened up a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter. But Cook single-handedly kept the Vikings in it with a 75-yard touchdown run. He finished the game with 154 yards and a touchdown.

In three games against the Packers, Cook has 357 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.

But stopping the run still won’t be easy for Green Bay, especially if Mattison can play. If Mattison is out, Mike Boone will be the featured back, and he scored two touchdowns after Cook got injured last week against the Los Angeles Chargers.

However, there’s no doubt Cook’s injury could have an impact on this game. He’s one of the NFL’s best running backs and so important to the Vikings offense. Even when he’s not putting up big rushing totals, he’s able to make an impact as a receiver.

But even with Cook out this week, the Packers might yet end up playing against him in the playoffs.