Amid rumors and speculation that star running back Dalvin Cook could be traded or released prior to the 2023 season, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell praised backup running back Alexander Mattison on Tuesday.
During a press conference, O'Connell noted the 24-year-old's ability to be a three-down running back, saying: "It's been really good to see Alex Mattison take a few more reps and really show that all three-down kinda ownership that he's been capable of for a long time."
There has been talk of the Vikings moving on from Cook throughout the offseason, and as recently as Sunday, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said on SportsCenter that teams he has spoken to believe Cook will be traded or cut, and that he is open to a fresh start.