Injury Update on Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl Running Back

The Minnesota Vikings are trying to build on a surprising 13-4 2022 season this offseason, and now they finally have clarity on their four-time Pro Bowl running back. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports Dalvin Cook is making excellent progress in his recovery from shoulder surgery.

#Vikings RB Dalvin Cook was recently in Minnesota for a post-surgery checkup on his shoulder and is said to be making excellent progress, per sources. Cook played the last three seasons while protecting the injured shoulder, which is now 100% stable and stronger. pic.twitter.com/2c4Z5VPrdW
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 3, 2023

Cook has played through a shoulder injury over the past three seasons and has maintained startling efficacy, totalling 4769 yards from scrimmage and earning three straight Pro Bowls. Cook and the Vikings both hope he'll be able to jump yet another level with the injury behind him.

Assuming, of course, the Vikings elect to retain Cook. The star has been the subject of trade speculation this offseason, but his surgery has complicated matters. Cook sports a sizeable $14.1 million cap hit in 2023, and the Vikings could clear up as much as $11 million if they trade him after June 1st.

Cook is still only 27 years old, but teams are increasingly uneasy about paying running backs big money. Cook has demonstrated the ability to play very effectively through injury, but the Vikings are cap-strapped and have a potentially league-shaking extension due to superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson. If the Vikings want to embrace a more pass-heavy approach, there's a great chance Cook could be on the move the very moment he can pass a physical.