Oct. 13—Running back Dalvin Cook returned Wednesday to practice for the Vikings, but five starters looked to be sitting out.
Cook has missed two of the past three games due to an ankle injury, including last Sunday’s 19-17 win over Detroit.
During the portion of practice open to the media, not doing work in practice were nose tackle Michael Pierce, linebacker Anthony Barr, defensive end Everson Griffen and wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. All are starters.
Of the five, only Pierce (elbow), whose status is uncertain for Sunday’s game at Carolina, sat out against the Lions. The others all finished the game.
Also not appearing to practice Wednesday were running back Alexander Mattison, who has rushed for more than 100 yards in the two games Cook has missed, and tight end Ben Ellefson. Returning to practice after sitting out the last two games was wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (toe).
Ellefson’s status for Sunday’s game is uncertain. The Vikings on Tuesday protected tight end Brandon Dillon on the practice squad, an indication that he could play against the Lions. And on Wednesday, they signed tight end Luke Stocker to the practice squad and released tackle Zack Bailey from the squad.