Cover Photo: Joe Robbins/Getty Images


Dalvin Cook's sophomore campaign hasn't been the comeback story that his fantasy owners had hoped for. After breaking onto the scene in the first few games of his rookie year, Cook's first season was cut short by an ACL tear in Week 4. His second season with the Vikings has been much of the same as Cook injured his hamstring and hasn't played since Week 4.


However, unlike last year, his injury was not season ending and he's just about ready to get back onto the field. After initial reports said Cook was expected to be out through the Vikings' bye in Week 10, it now looks like he'll play in Week 9 against the Lions, but in a limited fashion.

This means that Cook should suit up Sunday, for the first time in four weeks, but that doesn't mean he'll be a good start in fantasy. With Latavius Murray doing a bang-up job serving as the Vikings' lead back, Cook's return simply muddies the waters for both backs this weekend.


In his three appearances on the year, Cook has 36 rushes for 98 yards and 9 receptions for 107 yards. Murray has 82 carries for 386 yards and four touchdowns and 17 receptions for 116 yards.
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​If you desperately need a running back and you've been hanging on to Cook or own Murray, then consider putting one or even both into your lineup as an RB2 or FLEX option. No matter how much Cook plays this week, it's just nice to see him getting back on the field, whether he's on a snap count or not. 

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Ian McCafferty is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Ian McCafferty also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username itmccaff. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.