Vikings running back Dalvin Cook will return to practice Wednesday as he works his way back from the groin injury he suffered in Week 5.

Cook missed one game and then had a bye week to nurse his groin injury. Early reports indicate that Cook should be able to return for Week 8's matchup with the Packers so long as he doesn't have any setbacks during practice this week. Alexander Mattison flopped in Cook's absence in Week 6 but would retain a large role if Cook is forced to sit again.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook will not play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Matthew Coller of PurpleInsider.com.

Related Player: Alexander Mattison

This was expected with the Vikings heading into a Week 7 bye. Alexander Mattison will start in Cook's place.

According to Adam Schefter on Twitter, Dalvin Cook missed Thursday's practice with the groin injury he suffered in Week 5.

Cook is expected to miss Week 6 with the groin injury but should have a shot to return in Week 8 when the Vikings return from their bye. The presence of the bye will likely play a factor in the decision to hold Cook out of practice, and ultimately Week 6's contest against the Atlanta Falcons. Alexander Mattison should get the bulk of the touches with Cook sidelined and is our fourth ranked running back for Week 6.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook is sitting out of practice Wednesday due to the groin injury he suffered in Week 5.

This was fully expected as Cook is considered doubtful at best for Week 6. Cook's strain will likely keep him out of Week 6, then the Vikings enter their bye week. He should return to action after the two-week break.

Dalvin Cook isn’t expected to play this Sunday against the Falcons after suffering an adductor strain, according to a source.

Related players: Alexander Mattison

While Cook was only a question mark on Monday, it shouldn't be a surprise the team will sit him this week. As we talked about on Monday, the Vikings have a bye in Week 6 so the hope is to get Cook a couple of weeks rest before hopefully returning to action in Week 7. Mattison looks to at least be a one-week starter for the Vikings in a nice matchup. In limited time Mattison finished with over 100 yards rushing filling in for Cook last week after he left the game.

Dalvin Cook appears to have avoided serious injury, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said, after the star running back strained his groin in the third quarter of Sunday’s 27-26 loss in Seattle.

Cook underwent an MRI on Monday that went “pretty well,” Zimmer said, and the fact Cook didn’t end up on injured reserve indicates the Vikings believe his injury will cost him fewer than three games, if any at all.

Related players: Alexander Mattison

Zimmer acknowledged Cook has a chance to play Sunday against the Falcons, but the Vikings also have a Week 7 bye that could give him two weeks of rest while missing one game. Mattison filled in nicely and will likely be a popular waiver wire grab this week. Hopefully for Cook owners they are already backed up.