Three Vikings starters — running back Dalvin Cook, linebacker Anthony Barr and nose tackle Michael Pierce — are listed questionable to play in Sunday's game against the Browns.
Pierce injured his elbow and shoulder during Thursday's practice, according to coach Mike Zimmer. He was held out of Friday's practice. Afterward, Zimmer shrugged when saying he's "hopeful" Pierce will play against Cleveland's second-ranked rushing attack.
Cook (ankle) and Barr (knee) practiced three straight days, increasing their chances of returning. They remained limited throughout the week. Cornerback Kris Boyd (hamstring) is also listed questionable.
Barr appeared to move well while shuffling through linebacker drills. Cook jogged on his sprained right ankle, injured Sept. 19 in Arizona, during the portion of practice open to reporters. Cook "looked pretty good" in the limited session, Zimmer said.
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw, the team's first-round draft pick, is healthy enough to play against the Browns, practicing without limitations this week for the first time. But Zimmer said he hasn't decided whether to put Darrisaw on the gameday roster, pointing to injuries that will determine how many spots are available. Rashod Hill remains the left tackle for now, even if Darrisaw is active.
"We had four questionables there," Zimmer said, "so I've got to look at what the roster is going to look like probably [Saturday] and Sunday."
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson would likely move over center should the Vikings need to replace Pierce at nose tackle. Defensive tackles Sheldon Richardson and Armon Watts would also be in line for more playing time.
Receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette has been ruled out because of a toe injury suffered against the Seahawks. Running back Ameer Abdullah is expected to handle kickoff returns. Corners Bashaud Breeland (illness) and Mackensie Alexander (personal) and tight end Ben Ellefson (neck) returned to practice after sitting out Thursday; they're expected to play.
