Is Cook Justifying His Contract?

It was clear Cook was not fully healthy when Week 4 rolled around. That didn’t stop the Vikings from starting him against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Before the week, head coach Mike Zimmer’s remarks indicated that Minnesota was desperate for wins, and they needed Cook on the field even if he isn’t fully healthy.

Unfortunately for Minnesota, the offense didn’t muster any rhythm following the game’s first drive and scored only seven points in a loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Fast-forward one week, and Cook’s ankle injury is still nagging him, and he is admitted that he is not his usual self.

Cook has a point. Playing through pain is part of life in the NFL. These are the best athletes in the world crashing into each other for three hours per week, so of course, there will be injuries.

However, this is a sprained ankle sustained by one of the best running backs in the NFL. Few running backs are more agile or change directions faster than Cook. A sprained ankle has to take away some of that effectiveness. With the reeling Detroit Lions on the docket this week, would it be so bad to rest Cook and allow his ankle to heal a bit more? Or maybe the Vikings could get Alexander Mattison, who has proven to be a capable back, more involved?

Running back is the most fragile position in the NFL. When backs carry the ball, 11 of the world’s strongest and fastest athletes are actively trying to crash into them. Their careers can quickly dissipate if they are put in harm’s way too often.

Remember Todd Gurley? He was an MVP candidate only three seasons ago. From 2016 to 2018, Gurley recorded 813 carries and 166 receptions for a total of 979 touches. That’s just shy of 22 touches a game. It doesn’t seem like an extreme workload. And yet, Gurley had been dealing with a knee injury for most of that time. The Los Angeles Rams finally eased his workload in 2019, after they had signed him to a massive contract extension, but it was too late. A contract dispute ensued, and the Rams released him. Last year, Gurley played for the Atlanta Falcons as a shell of his former self. He’s currently out of the league.

Dalvin Cook does not need to become the next Todd Gurley.

The Vikings have signed Cook to a contract worth at least $28 million. The Vikings should be protecting Cook when needed to ensure he can be effective for the life of his contract. At this rate, Minnesota is making the same mistake the Rams did with Gurley.