UPDATE FRIDAY P.M.
The Vikings announced that running back Dalvin Cook (hamstring), safety Andrew Sendejo (groin) and left tackle Riley Reiff (foot) are all out for Sunday’s game against the Jets.
Defensive tackle Linval Joseph (ankle/shoulder/foot) is questionable, although he did return to practice Friday after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday.
Defensive end Danielle Hunter (groin) practiced Friday and is expected to play.
Original story
It’s a big day for the Vikings and all eyes will be on the injury report when it’s released Friday afternoon.
On Thursday, five starters were held out of practice because of injuries: running back Dalvin Cook (hamstring), defensive end Danielle Hunter (groin), defensive tackle Linval Joseph (ankle/knee/shoulder), safety Andrew Sendejo (groin) and left tackle Riley Reiff (foot).
While Reiff, Joseph and Sendejo have yet to practice this week, the two that jump off the page are Cook and Hunter, who both practiced fully on Wednesday. The fact that they suddenly couldn’t work on Thursday is concerning.
“This is obviously a step in the wrong direction,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said in an update about Cook. “Whatever momentum Dalvin Cook was having …. has apparently been halted.”
Cook was reportedly close to suiting up against Arizona last Sunday but was held out for the third time in four weeks. He practiced fully on Wednesday before leaving practice early Thursday.
Hunter leads the NFL with 7 sacks. Losing him could be catastrophic, and only magnified if Joseph isn’t able to play Sunday against the Jets.
Reiff and Sendejo didn’t play last week and if they’re unable to play again the Vikings would likely give Rashod Hill another start at left tackle and give George Iloka the start at safety in place of Sendejo.
