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The Minnesota Vikings will get their top running back in a pivotal Week 17 contest against the Green Bay Packers as Dalvin Cook returns from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Cook, who is unvaccinated, has cleared the league’s updated protocols with shorter quarantine times and will be on the field Sunday.
Running back Dalvin Cook cleared to return under updated protocols reducing quarantine for unvaccinated players to five days. He'll be available Sunday in Green Bay.
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) December 29, 2021
Fantasy football implications
Cook will take command of the backfield once again, where he’s been a fantasy star for years. Alexander Mattison, who has filled in admirably when Cook is sidelined, slides back into his complementary role. Cook’s return will have an impact on Kirk Cousins as well, who might see less opportunities to throw the ball in redzone situations. There could be an overall reduction in passing plays with Cook back, which would likely impact K.J. Osborn before hitting Justin Jefferson. The Packers have been gashed against the run recently, so Cook is in line for a big day in Week 17.