Georgia RB James Cook out of Peach Bowl due to father's death

Reports surfaced on Wednesday that Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, who is second in the NFL in rushing yards (1,557) behind Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans (1,777 yards), will miss Sunday's regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions following the death of his father, James Cook Sr.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has since confirmed that Bulldogs ball-carrier James Cook, Dalvin's brother, won't participate in Friday's Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl showdown with the Cincinnati Bearcats for the same reason. 

"He's really close to his family, and it's a really tough situation to be dealing with the loss of his father," Smart said, per an ESPN story. "Our thoughts and prayers are with him. We support him 100 percent and all his teammates have his back. We just want him to be with his family and do the best he can to deal with this at this time."

James Cook was set to enter Friday's contest second on the Bulldogs with 303 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. He also contributed 16 receptions for 225 receiving yards and a pair of touchdown catches this season. 

James Cook Sr. reportedly died from complications of diabetes at the age of 46.