Vikings rookie RB Dalvin Cook is the starter, ahead of Jerrick McKinnon. Yes, it's just the first depth chart ahead of a preseason opener, but it confirms all the praise that Cook has received from his teammates and coaching staff in training camp. Free agent acquisition Latavius Murray is not on the depth chart, still on the PUP list, recovering from offseason ankle surgery.
Head coach Mike Zimmer said of Murray last week, "He is a smart guy, but he needs to get out there” on the practice field.
Related players: Sam Bradford, Stefon Diggs
It's looking more and more that Cook will line up as the starter in Week 1. The Vikings had a lot of problems running the ball last year, but signed tackles Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers and drafted center Pat Elflein (3rd round) and guard Danny Isidora in an effort to rebuild the offensive line. Cook has had a good spring and his primary competition (Latavius Murray) has been sidelined as he recovers from ankle surgery.