Dalvin Cook (shoulder) was out last week and will be “questionable” at best for the Week 14 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Steelers. His availability will have a big effect on Week 14 fantasy RB rankings and start, sit decisions, so knowing the latest injury updates will be key before his first lineup call of the week.
We will continue to update this article with news about Cook until the official active / inactive report comes out on Thursday around 6:50 pm ET. For the latest fantasy updates, follow us on Twitter @ SN_Fantasy.
Will Dalvin Cook play Thursday night?
Last week ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Cook is expected to be out until week 14, so it came as no surprise when Cook was listed as a “DNP” for Monday’s estimated practice. He’s probably out, but we’re going to dive into the fantasy effects of his playing or not playing.
WEEK 14 PPR RANKINGS:
Field marshal | Running backwards | Wide receiver | Tight end | D / ST | Kicker
If Cook manages to put on the suit, it’s obviously a must-start and the Steelers defense yields the ninth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. It will rank within the top 10 RBs, even if it may receive fewer touches than usual.
WEEK 14 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Field marshal | Running backwards | Wide receiver | Tight end | D / ST | Kicker
If you’re out, go ahead and consider Alexander Mattison a must-start as well. There has been virtually no drop in production from Cook to Mattison, as Mattison has scored more than 20 PPR points in his three starts. Again, the Steelers defense isn’t as good as we usually see it, so don’t be afraid to start a “backup” running back here.
The Vikings love to give all the backfield touches to a single guy, which is why we ranked Mattison as our RB6 in PPR and standard leagues. There’s no point starting Kene Nwangwu, but it’s worth noting that it could be a sneaky bank hideout if something were to happen to Mattison.
