SEATTLE – Running back Dalvin Cook injured his shoulder during the third quarter of the Vikings' 37-30 loss to the Seahawks on Monday night and did not return. Coach Mike Zimmer said "no" when asked if Cook's injury is a long-term concern.
Cook, who called his exit "precautionary," said he expected to be ready by Sunday after the Vikings' six-day turnaround to face the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium.
After scoring his 12th rushing touchdown of the season in the first quarter, Cook first appeared to be injured on a fumble just before halftime. The Vikings' workhorse back returned in the third quarter, when a collision up the middle led to another fumble and injury timeout. The hit aggravated a chest injury, Cook said, that he suffered Nov. 17 against the Broncos and limited him during some practices last week.
Cook's night ended with 12 touches for 64 yards before heading to the locker room.
Rookie Alexander Mattison replaced him and finished with four catches for 51 receiving yards and four carries for 22 yards.
'D' struggles despite nearing full strength
Nose tackle Linval Joseph cut his six-week recovery timeline in half, returning three weeks after surgery to fix the meniscus in his knee. It was the 31-year-old's first knee operation, according to Joseph, who said he liked what he saw from backups Jaleel Johnson and Armon Watts rotating in to ease his return.
"God is good," Joseph said. "They said six weeks, I came back in three. I feel good. No swelling."
The Vikings defense still surrendered a season-worst 444 yards even while safety Harrison Smith (hamstring), safety Anthony Harris (groin) and defensive tackle Shamar Stephen (knee) also played despite being listed as questionable.
