Inside The Vikings

Alexander Mattison, Not Dalvin Cook, Featured on Vikings' Social Media

A choice that seems to reflect the high likelihood of Cook playing elsewhere next season.
Will Ragatz|
Alexander Mattison, Not Dalvin Cook, Featured on Vikings' Social Media
Alexander Mattison, Not Dalvin Cook, Featured on Vikings' Social Media

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Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings' social media accounts are topped with banner photos promoting the 2023 season. They feature four of the team's star offensive players: Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Kirk Cousins, and...Alexander Mattison.

In that spot that would usually be occupied by four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook, his former — and technically current — backup has taken his place. That's a not-so-subtle choice that seems to reflect the high likelihood of Cook playing elsewhere next season, whether after a trade or an outright release.

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Is this ultimately meaningless? Perhaps. Mattison being featured on these promo images does not, by any means, prevent the Vikings from bringing Cook back for the 2023 season if that's the way things play out. As of now, it seems like everything is still on the table.

The Vikings 'Want to Do Right' By Dalvin Cook, Whether Via Trade or Not

Still, it's just another sign that the most likely outcome is Cook's seven-year tenure with the Vikings coming to an end at some point this offseason. The Vikings can get younger and cheaper at the running back position by moving on from the 2017 second-round pick. In addition to Mattison — who was brought back on a two-year deal in free agency — they've got youngsters Ty Chandler and DeWayne McBride waiting in the wings for their opportunity.

Thanks for reading. Make sure to bookmark this site and check back daily for the latest Vikings news and analysis all offseason long. Also, follow me on Twitter and feel free to ask me any questions on there.

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Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

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