Vikings running back Dalvin Cook on Wednesday said he will play through a lingering ankle injury.
“That’s the plan,” Cook said. “I don’t feel like I’m getting worse or heading in the wrong direction.”
Cook ran for only 34 yards on nine carries in the Vikings' 14-7 loss to the Browns. Cook returned to the game in the fourth quarter after he had limped off the field earlier in the third quarter. He entered the day listed as questionable with an ankle injury.
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"Part of this game is playing through pain," Cook said.
Cook, 26, was drafted by the Vikings in the second round in 2017. Minnesota, at 1-3 this season, plays the winless Lions on Sunday.
Also on Wednesday, linebacker Anthony Barr, who is planning to play for the first time this season Sunday, said it was his call to not play last week due to his injured knee.
This story will be updated.
(Photo: Ian Johnson / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
How will the game plan change to accommodate Cook's limitations?
Chad Graff, Vikings beat writer: As we saw in the Vikings’ last game against the Browns, Cook isn’t quite the focal point of the offense that he used to be while he’s dealing with this ankle injury. Last week, Cook sat out much of the third quarter, before coming back with the game on the line for the final drive.
Due to the injury, Cook split snaps with backup running back Alexander Mattison with Cook on the field for 33 plays and Mattison for 23, though Mattison had more carries (10) than Cook (9).
What should we expect from Barr in his first game back?
Graff: The biggest area that Barr can impact Sunday’s game is in run defense and the pass rush. Barr’s replacement, Nick Vigil, has fared fine against the pass, but his struggles against the run are part of why all four teams the Vikings have faced have rushed for more than 100 yards against Minnesota. Barr’s return will be important for the Vikings’ run defense heading into a game against D’Andre Swift and the Lions.