Team news: Dallas Cowboys | Page 28

It sounds like QB Jimmy Garoppolo is expecting to miss a couple of weeks with a calf injury.

Related players: Trey Lance

Garoppolo and the 49ers explained the injury as feeling like someone stepped on the back of his calf. These injuries can linger, as Rapoport said. Rapoport added Jimmy G isn't always the same player when battling injuries in his career. So for now, it's Garoppolo to the bench and Lance will start. Of course reports over the last couple of days said the 49ers weren't prepared for Lance to play after taking over for Garoppolo during the second half of Week 4. The good news the staff should have him more prepared heading into Week 5. The Niners play the Cards in Week 5 and have a bye in Week 6.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) is questionable to play Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns according to Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune.

Cook practiced each day an injury report was produced, making it all but certain he goes Week 4.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) is questionable for Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks.

Even a reduced workload for Cook makes Alexander Mattison a FLEX play in what should be a competitive, higher-scoring contest. Cook did not practice all week but the dynamic running back is a player that can get away with that. The issue is whether a Week 3 contest is worth risking his long-term health.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) sat out Wednesday's practice according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. He had his ankle wrapped during the media's availability.

Cook is expected to play Week 3 against Seattle but the injury could lead to more carries for Alexander Mattison.

The next item that should be discussed is the performance of Tony Pollard. We are in Year 3 of Pollard’s four-year rookie deal and it is obvious that he is a weapon that must be included in every game plan. Without turning this automatically into a Pollard vs. Ezekiel Elliott debate, it should be obvious to anyone who follows these games that Pollard has a component that Elliott can not offer — the ability to hit home runs regularly.

The story goes into great deal about Pollard and his ability. One point to talk about here is the difference between Pollard’s role in Week 1 vs. Week 2. The author feels Pollard has to be a mandatory feature in the offense and he points out Pollard had seven touches on opening weekend and that raced up to 16 in Week 2. The story said Pollard can do whatever the team needs, calling him an explosive running back. It's looking like Pollard has stand-alone value, at least in a little deeper of leagues, but his workload is worth monitoring in all leagues.

No update from Jerry Jones this morning on Cowboys WR Amari Cooper’s bruised ribs. “I don’t know today. I’m hopeful those ribs can get comfortable enough to play (Monday night).”

Related players: CeeDee Lamb

As we said Monday, owners will have to monitor the status of Cooper this week. We also reported Monday Cooper could end up being limited even if he plays in Week 3, which, to make matters worse is a Monday night game. Lamb could be in store for a big workload if Cooper has to miss any time as Michael Gallup is on IR. Cooper could end up being a gametime call.

Mike McCarthy says Amari Cooper has bruised ribs and they’ll know more Wednesday.

Related players: CeeDee Lamb

Owners will have to monitor the status of Cooper this week. He could very well end up being limited even if he plays in Week 3, which, to make matters worse is a Monday night game against the Eagles. Lamb could be in store for a big workload if Cooper has to miss any time as Michael Gallup is on IR.

Running back Dalvin Cook eventually made an early exit in the Vikings' 34-33 loss to the Cardinals due to a sprained right ankle suffered when Cardinals defensive lineman J.J. Watt tackled him low in the fourth quarter.

"He just got a little ankle sprain," coach Mike Zimmer said.

Related players: Alexander Mattison

The story went on to say: Cook, who finished with 148 yards from scrimmage, popped up and walked gingerly toward the sideline before dropping to the turf. Vikings trainers helped him to the sideline, where his right ankle was taped up. Cook returned, taking two more handoffs, but his movements were labored, and he was eventually replaced by Mattison on the final drive. It sounds like Cook has a chance to be OK as we head into Week 3. Mattison is worth picking up as a handcuff, however, if he's still on your wire.