Griffen and Cook Both Out Against Bills
Jhawthorn16
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The Vikings open as a 16.5-point favorite against the struggling Bills, and because of this being viewed as an “easy win,” the Vikings have chosen to play it safe with some of their star players. When the Vikings take the field on Sunday they will be without star running back Dalvin Cook and “Sack Daddy,” Everson Griffen. The team has depth at both these positions, so let’s see why these players are out and who will be taking their spots.
Dalvin Cook
Cook is dealing with a hamstring injury he suffered during the Green Bay game, and while he could probably play if this game was a division rivalry or could impact playoff seeding, the team appears to be playing it safe, so he can play this upcoming Thursday night game against the Rams. Cook will be backed up by Latavius Murray, who stepped up and had an 800-yard season last year. Murray is a viable option for a starting running back, so I don’t think we will se a drop off in the run-game. Murray will split carries with the young Roc Thomas and Mike Boone, who both had a nice preseason and competed for the third running back job. Murry should end up getting a majority of the carries on Sunday, but Thomas and Boone could split carries late if the game gets out of hand.
Everson Griffen
“Sack Daddy” won’t be suiting up for the Vikings either, as he deals with a minor knee issue. The pass rusher will sit out this game as he heals up and gets ready for a big showdown in Las Angeles against the Rams, and fans will see Stephen Weatherly and Tashawn Bower in Griffen’s place. The Vikings will probably use the two ends in a rotation to keep them fresh throughout the game, and they may even play on the left side while Danielle Hunter takes over Everson’s duties on the right. Weatherly is in his third NFL season, but fans should be excited to see what the young pass rusher brings as he has never gotten any serious playing time in the NFL. Tashawn Bower is in his second season and is a very strong, power rusher who should play the run well and push offensive lineman into their quarterbacks. Even with Everson out of the game the Vikings will have three proven and elite defensive linemen in the game and should generate a pass rush the same way.
The Vikings may be missing two of their best players on Sunday, but they are still going to be three possession favorites and should get the win against Buffalo. The Vikings will show just how much of a complete roster they have, and hopefully some of the young back-ups show off their talent in this game to calm Vikings fans’ nerves. I don’t think these injuries are serious enough to keep Cook or Griffen out for very long, and I expect both of them to play against the Rams later this week. SKOL!