Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (shoulder) limited; WR Adam Thielen (ankle) doesn't practice

All indications are the 5-7 Minnesota Vikings will be without a pair of offensive playmakers for Thursday's prime-time home game against the 6-5-1 Pittsburgh Steelers. 

As Josh Alper noted for Pro Football Talk, Minnesota Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook was a limited participant for Tuesday's practice session due to the shoulder injury that kept him out of this past Sunday's loss to the Detroit Lions. It was reported last week Cook likely wouldn't play again before the Week 15 matchup at the Chicago Bears on Dec. 20, so it's possible he's merely examining his recovery from the setback he initially suffered on Nov. 28 during the midweek. 

Backup Alexander Mattison went for 90 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries filling in for Cook against Detroit. Mattison remains on track to receive the bulk of the touches out of Minnesota's backfield on Thursday even if Cook tries to push himself. 

Per Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune, Vikings Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen did not practice Tuesday because of the high-ankle sprain he suffered in this past Sunday's defeat. However, Goessling adds Minnesota could get Thielen back in the lineup before the regular-season finale on Jan. 9: