Okay, fantasy football owners in championship games who own a share of the Minnesota Vikings backfield. Deeeeeep breaths here.
Sometimes, the fantasy gods deliver a ridiculously tough situation at your doorstep at the time you need it the least. And what’s going on with the aforementioned Vikings running backs more than qualifies.
Dalvin Cook left last week’s game with a shoulder injury and didn’t return. There was a report he was unlikely to play against the Green Bay Packers on Monday, but Cook said on Thursday that he’s “going through (his) normal preparation.”
That doesn’t mean much, but it’s some uncertainty. And then there was fuel on the fire from Mike Zimmer regarding backup Alexander Mattison:
Asked about Alexander Mattison's (ankle) status for practice today, Mike Zimmer said he didn't know if the RB will practice, but that practice will be "low key" on Thursday. As far as where Mattison's at w/ his recovery: "He’s doing better. He’s got a good chance."
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) December 19, 2019
Not exactly what you want to hear if you spent heavily on the waiver wire to acquire Mike Boone, who scored twice with Cook out and carried the ball 13 times in Week 15.
On top of all that, the Vikings play on Monday … and there are three NFL games on Saturday, which could complicate how you build your lineup. It’s theoretically possible that by kickoff at 1 p.m. that day, you’ll have no idea about how the Vikings plan on using their RBs.
For what it’s worth, I think it’s likely Boone gets the start and the Vikings hold out Cook for the postseason. Mattison didn’t play last week, but if he’s active, that complicates everything.
The Vikings playing on MNF throws just enough of a wrench into things. If Mattison isn't practicing by the end of the week, though, we can go full steam ahead with Mike Boone over a lot of RB options. https://t.co/U252yRF0qB
— Rich Hribar (@LordReebs) December 19, 2019
All of that said, I’m writing this on a Thursday. There’s another practice day to go and even a little time on Saturday before you have some decisions to make.
Hang in there.
[jwplayer GKRwOsFD-q2aasYxh]