It’s now official, the Vikings will be without two of their stars in Sunday’s noon kickoff against the Buffalo Bills at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Defensive end Everson Griffen missed practice for a third straight day on Friday and running back Dalvin Cook, according to reports, had his helmet on Friday but was doing rehab work on the side for a third straight day. Cook tweaked his hamstring in last week’s game against Green Bay.
Both Griffen and Cook have been ruled out, according to head coach Mike Zimmer.
Coach Zimmer announced Dalvin Cook and Everson Griffen have been ruled out for #BUFvsMIN.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 21, 2018
The Vikings could move Danielle Hunter to right defensive end in Griffen’s place and then have Stephen Weatherly take the majority of the snaps at left end. Tashawn Bower could also be activated to provide depth.
Latavius Murray will start in Cook’s place with an increased likelihood that Mike Boone gets his first regular season action as the third running back on the depth chart.
Other injuries of note include cornerback Marcus Sherels (ribs) and tight end David Morgan (knee) also missed practice Friday and are doubtful for Sunday’s game.
It’s not all bad because the Vikings are playing the lowly Bills, so resting up as much as possible before Thursday’s night game against the Rams in L.A. next week could be beneficial in the long run.
The Vikings are favored to beat the Bills by 17 points.
