Vikings running back Dalvin Cook will return for Sunday’s game against Cleveland, but linebacker Anthony Barr will be inactive for the fourth consecutive week.
Cook rushed for 192 yards on 42 carries with a touchdown and caught eight passes for 60 yards in the first two games, but he suffered a sprained ankle in the second half against Arizona two weeks ago and was not able to practice leading up to the Seahawks game. Cook was able to get on the the field this past week but was limited in each practice.
The Vikings won their first game of the season without Cook as backup Alexander Mattison ran for 112 yards on 26 carries and caught six passes for 59 yards against Seattle.
Barr, like Cook, was listed as questionable for this game but will sit out again. Barr suffered a knee injury early in training camp. He hasn’t played since Week 2 of last season when he suffered a torn pectoral muscle against Indianapolis.
Nose tackle Michael Pierce, who injured his elbow and shoulder in Thursday’s practice and sat out Friday, is active for Sunday’s game.
#Vikings inactives
QB Kellen Mond
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
CB Kris Boyd
G Wyatt Davis
LB Anthony Barr
DT James Lynch
DE Patrick Jones II— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 3, 2021
Vikings’ first-round pick Christian Darrisaw is expected to make his NFL debut but it won’t be at left tackle.
#Vikings first-round draft pick Christian Darrisaw is expected to be active for the first time and make his NFL debut on the field-goal unit today against the #Browns, per source. Darrisaw had minor core muscle surgery Aug. 12 and they continue to ramp him up gradually.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 3, 2021