What a Dalvin Cook holdout could mean for Packers in 2020

What could a Dalvin Cook holdout mean for the Packers?

Dalvin Cook is the star of the Minnesota Vikings offense, but he is planning to hold out until he receives a “reasonable” deal, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday.

That’s potentially significant news for the entire NFC North.

How could a Cook holdout potentially impact the Green Bay Packers in 2020?

Cook holdout could impact Packers’ season-opener

In Week 1 of the regular season, the Packers will head to U.S. Bank Stadium to take on the Vikings. It’s a huge game to kick off the new year. Possibly the NFC North’s top two contenders colliding in a contest that could have huge playoff implications later on in the season.

If Cook continues to hold out into the start of the regular season and misses this game, it would be bad news for the Vikings.

Cook was a Pro Bowler in 2019, rushing for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also adding 519 receiving yards, despite missing two games due to injury. He rushed 20 times for 154 yards and a touchdown against the Packers in Week 2, including an excellent 75-yard touchdown run.

Cook averaged 118 all-purpose yards last season. He’s the key piece in Minnesota’s run-first offense.

To get an idea of the difference it could make for the Packers not having to play against Cook, you only have to look back to last season’s game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Despite all of Green Bay’s struggles defending the run, Mike Pettine’s defense held Minnesota to just 57 yards rushing in a dominant 23-10, division-clinching victory. Had Cook been healthy, it could’ve been a completely different game.

Considering how important Cook is to the Vikings offense, they should give him a new deal this summer. It’s possible they will and there’s still a long way to go before the season opener.

But if Cook holds out and misses any time in the regular season, it could have a significant impact in Week 1.