GLENDALE, Ariz. – Running back Dalvin Cook eventually made an early exit in the Vikings' 34-33 loss to the Cardinals due to a sprained right ankle suffered when Cardinals defensive lineman J.J. Watt tackled him low in the fourth quarter.
Cook, who finished with 148 yards from scrimmage, popped up and walked gingerly toward the sideline before dropping to the turf. Vikings trainers helped him to the sideline, where his right ankle was taped up. Cook returned, taking two more handoffs, but his movements were labored, and he was eventually replaced by Alexander Mattison on the final drive.
"He just got a little ankle sprain," coach Mike Zimmer said.
A healthy Cook is invaluable to the offense. His acceleration and elusiveness were two reasons why quarterback Kirk Cousins didn't even face a third down on three touchdown drives during the first half. Overall, half of Cook's 22 runs gained at least 7 yards.
He was tough to bring down, and also difficult to knock out of the game. Cook insisted on returning with the injured ankle. Teammates lauded his toughness, acknowledging the heavy workload he handles. He was injured on his 22nd touch coming in the offense's 47th play.
"There are moments where you don't know if you have him for the rest of the game and then he's back in," Cousins said. "Just did a great job coming back and being tough and playing hard, running hard. We ask a lot of him. He's a warrior."
Vigil stands out again
Linebacker Nick Vigil's standout play continued Sunday as he started again for injured linebacker Anthony Barr. Vigil, who had eight tackles, opened the second half by jumping a quick throw from Kyler Murray intended for receiver Rondale Moore. He returned the interception 38 yards for his first career touchdown, giving the Vikings a 30-24 lead.
