Vikings RB Dalvin Cook active, will wear harness to protect shoulder injury: Source

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has made "significant progress" since injuring his shoulder in Week 12 and is active for tonight's game against the Steelers.

A league source confirmed to The Athletic that Cook will wear a harness Thursday night, similar to the one he used in the January 2020 wild-card win against the Saints when he had 31 touches for 130 scrimmage yards with two rushing touchdowns.

On Wednesday, the Vikings listed Cook as questionable for the Thursday Night Football game. The team also ruled out wide receiver Adam Thielen, who sprained his ankle in the Week 13 loss to the Detroit Lions.

Cook, 26, missed last week's game against the Lions after sustaining a shoulder injury against the 49ers in Week 12. He's accounted for 975 yards from scrimmage — 773 rushing, 202 receiving — with four touchdowns. Alexander Mattison is expected to start if Cook can't play against Pittsburgh. Mattison rushed for 90 yards and had three catches for 34 yards last week.

(Photo: Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Images)

What is the likelihood that Cook plays?

Chad Graff, Vikings staff writer: After Cook suffered a dislocated shoulder 11 days ago, the Vikings outlined a plan for him: They figured he’d miss two games, but take advantage of a long break before returning for Monday Night Football in Chicago on Dec. 20.

Yet Cook’s recovery has been swifter than the Vikings expected. If he feels as good Thursday as he did Tuesday and Wednesday, he’s expected to play while wearing a brace on his shoulder.

Vikings inactives for tonight’s game against the Steelers:
QB Kellen Mond
CB Harrison Hand
LB Chazz Surratt
DE Tashawn Bower
LB Blake Lynch (hip)
WR Adam Thielen (ankle)
LT Christian Darrisaw (ankle)

— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) December 10, 2021