As the NFL loosens testing requirements on vaccinated players, the Vikings — a locker room that entered the season with one of the league's lowest vaccination rates — will be without another key player on Sunday due to COVID-19.
Running back Dalvin Cook will not play against the Rams, according to coordinator Klint Kubiak, after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list before Thursday's practice. Receiver Justin Jefferson said he spoke with Cook on Thursday morning and that his spirits are "good" after testing positive.
Cook had been following protocols for unvaccinated players this season, and the Vikings ruling him out three days before kickoff indicates he remains unvaccinated — a status that still requires daily testing under new league protocols.