Report: Dalvin Cook to miss finale vs. Lions after family emergency

Just under two months ago, the Detroit Lions traveled to Minnesota just to have Vikings running back Dalvin Cook run all over them. By the time all was said in done in the Vikings’ decisive 34-20 victory over Detroit, Cook had 22 carries for 206 yards and two touchdowns to go with an additional 46 yards receiving.

However, it appears the Lions won’t have to deal with Cook this time around, as the two teams prepare for Sunday’s regular season finale. According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, Cook had an “unexpected family emergency,” returned to his family in Miami and will not be available to play for Sunday’s game.

That’s obviously a huge blow to the Vikings, as Cook currently sits second in the NFL in rushing yards, and he is averaging 5.0 yards per carry this season. On top of that, Cook’s backup, Alexander Mattison, missed last week due to a concussion. If he can’t go, the Vikings may be forced to start... Ameer Abdullah, former Lions second-round pick.

That’ll be fun.

UPDATE: Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Cook’s father unexpectedly passed away. Prayers to the Cook family.