Dalvin Cook

File-This Dec. 20, 2020, file photo shows Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer reacting on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, in Minneapolis. Zimmer was discouraged by the state of his defense and the limited opportunity to improve it this offseason, but a handful of free-agent additions gave him fresh hope. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File)

Vikings move down to take Virginia Tech's Christian Darrisaw

By Dave Campbell Apr. 29, 2021 11:26 PM EDT

FILE - A few fans watch in Lambeau Field during the first half of an NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans in Green Bay, Wis., in this Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, file photo. The eight teams hosting NFL playoff games this month are more than happy to be staying home with all of comfort it brings, but the actual advantage of playing there all but disappeared during this pandemic season of mostly empty stadiums. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)

No place like home? Host advantage vanished in year of virus

By Dave Campbell Jan. 05, 2021 07:35 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)

Vikings enter offseason with deteriorated defense to repair

By Dave Campbell Jan. 04, 2021 06:29 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and teammates react after Cousins' touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Cousins throws 3 TDs, Vikings end with 37-35 win over Lions

By Larry Lage Jan. 03, 2021 06:23 PM EST

Browns without 6 players, 3 assistant coaches vs. Steelers

By The Associated Press Jan. 03, 2021 12:23 PM EST
The Cleveland Browns are missing six players and three assistant coaches because of COVID-19 for their biggest game in nearly two decades. ...

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws as Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebacker Devin White (45) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Lon Horwedel)

Lions, Vikings both stumbling to the finish

By Noah Trister Dec. 31, 2020 05:19 PM EST

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder runs for a touchdown against Memphis during the first half of an NCAA college football game for the American Athletic Conference championship Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder is known for his dual-threat skills. JT Daniels has used his arm strength to add balance to Georgia's attack.The two quarterbacks also boast impressive football intelligence, and that may be the biggest reason neither has lost a game as a starter this season as they prepare to meet in Friday's Peach Bowl.(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

No. 6 Cincinnati an underdog in Peach against No. 11 Georgia

By Charles Odum Dec. 31, 2020 12:53 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) carries against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) and outside linebacker Demario Davis on a 15 yard touchdown run in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Friday, Dec. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

AP sources: Star Vikings RB Cook absent after father's death

By Dave Campbell Dec. 30, 2020 01:14 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) is tripped up by New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley as strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) defends in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Friday, Dec. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)

No preseason, no problem: NFL rookies shine in strange year

By Mark Long Dec. 29, 2020 02:30 PM EST

Packers, Seahawks, Ravens, Chiefs each have 7 Pro Bowlers

By The Associated Press Dec. 21, 2020 07:15 PM EST
Led by their star quarterbacks, the Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers each had seven players selected to the Pro Bowl. ...