Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook won't be with the team for its season finale. Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook won't play in season finale after father's death

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/30/20

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has been ruled out for the team's season finale against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. However, it's not because of an injury.

Cook is flying home to Miami after his father, James Cook, died at the age of 46, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. James had reportedly been suffering from complications of diabetes.

Source says that #Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is flying now back home to Miami due to his father James Cook dying at the age of 46. Cook will not play in Sunday's finale at Detroit. Source said James Cook had been diabetic. Condolences to Dalvin's family.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) December 30, 2020

Cook had a tremendous season for the Vikings despite an overall disappointing year for Minnesota. The 25-year-old finishes with 312 carries for a career-high 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also had 44 receptions for 361 yards and a score.

Minnesota will now turn to Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah against the Lions. The Vikings will finish with a losing record for the first time since 2014 even if they win on Sunday.

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