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Dalvin Cook is having an All-Pro caliber season for the Minnesota Vikings. The explosive running back has rushed for 1,557 yards and an NFL-high 16 touchdowns in 2020, but he’ll be absent for the Vikings’ season finale against the Detroit Lions.

Cook flew home to Miami Tuesday to be with his family after his father, James, tragically passed away at the age of 46. He won’t be cleared in time to suit up for the Vikings this Sunday.

Dalvin Cook is having a career year for the Vikings

Before the 2020 season, Dalvin Cook was considered an above-average running back with the potential to become a star. Cook took that leap this year, and now he’s staked his claim to be considered the best all-around RB in the NFL.

The Vikings’ versatile star has racked up 1,557 rushing yards and a league-high 16 rushing touchdowns this season. He’s also chipped in 44 catches for 361 yards and a score. Cook’s 1,918 yards from scrimmage lead the NFL this year.

For a Vikings team that hasn’t been the least bit impressive this season, Cook has almost single-handedly led Minnesota to a few of its six wins. Cook went off for 226 total yards and four touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers in November to lead the Vikings to an improbable upset at Lambeau Field. The next week, he bested his previous performance with 252 total yards and two scores to lead Minnesota past the Detroit Lions.

The Vikings sit at 6-8 with one game remaining on their schedule, but things could be much worse if Cook wasn’t in the fold. The RB is on his way to his first career All-Pro season.

Cook will miss Sunday’s game after the tragic death of his father

Dalvin Cook was ready to finish off his career season in style in the Vikings’ season finale against the Lions this Sunday, but a heartbreaking development will keep him off the field in Week 17.

Cook’s father, James, unexpectedly passed away this week at the age of 46. Cook flew home to Miami on Tuesday to be with his family, and he will be unavailable for Sunday’s game.

Vikings teammates send prayers to Dalvin Cook and his family

After the devastating news hit the Vikings locker room, Cook’s teammates sent their thoughts and prayers to the running back.

“Tragic news,” Kirk Cousins said Wednesday morning. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, and just want him to take all the time he needs to process through that. Very sorry to hear that.”

“Want to give all my prayers to Dalvin and his family,” Justin Jefferson said. “It’s a tough situation to be in, to lose your loved ones. We’re all behind him and we’re all praying for him.”

All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference

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Jack Dougherty

Writing professionally since 2015, Jack Dougherty spent six years as a sportswriter with publications such as GoPSUSports.com, the Centre Daily Times, and the Associated Press before joining Sportscasting in 2020. He covers the NBA, the NFL, and the world of golf extensively and has added expertise on any team located in or around his hometown of Philadelphia. Yes, that includes the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia 76ers, and Philadelphia Phillies.

When Jack isn’t writing about sports, he’s watching them or playing them as he regularly heads to the gym for some pickup basketball or the golf course to hit the links. He’s also an avid participant in the sports betting scene who worked at a casino sportsbook for a year and learned the ins and outs of the industry before bringing his expertise to Sportscasting with one excellent gambling recommendation after another.