Vikings running back Dalvin Cook returns to Miami after father dies

James Cook, the father of Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, has died. Dalvin Cook has returned to Miami.

Minnesota announced that Dalvin Cook’s father, James Cook, has died. He was 46.

“The entire Vikings organization is thinking of Dalvin and his family following the passing of Dalvin’s father,” the team said in a statement Wednesday.

The Vikings running back has returned to Miami, where he grew up. He is unavailable for the Week 17 game vs. the Lions, according to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin

The Vikings offense has had success this year and Dalvin Cook has been a big part of that. Cook is tied for first in the league with 16 rushing touchdowns. He also has 1,557 rushing yards this season.

Cook ran through divisional opponents to put the team on a three-game win streak and back in the playoff conversation. At one point, he led the NFL in rushing and he currently sits in second for that category.