Team news: Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are adding WR Albert Wilson.

Word was Dede Westbrook was in for a visit as well, and it appears Wilson was the successor today. Wilson adds depth and some special teams potential, but not much else. Regardless, BERT ALERT!

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell addressed TE Irv Smith Jr.'s role heading into his first season leading the team. "I know there were a lot of folks excited about him last fall before that injury," O'Connell said. "He's going to be a major part of what we do."

O'Connell also added that the team has to be careful with his return from his knee injury.

It is hype season, but with Tyler Conklin in New Jersey and little competition for targets, Smith has a chance to (finally) take the step forward that was expected prior to injury in 2021.

Vikings HC Mike Zimmer told reporters Wednesday that QB Kirk Cousins will start Week 18 against the Chicago Bears.

Cousins will get what could be his last start as a Viking at home against the Bears.

Vikings QB Sean Mannion will be activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list and start Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers.

Move along. Nothing to see here.

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and will miss Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers.

Related Players: Kyle Sloter, Kellen Mond

All of your Vikings skill position take a major hit Week 17.

Vikings WR Adam Thielen underwent season-ending ankle surgery December 28.

Related Player: K.J. Osborn

Tough end to the season for one of the best red zone targets in the NFL. Osborn becomes a WR3/Flex Week 17.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook has been removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

As long as his conditioning is good, fire up Cook Week 17.

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has been placed on the reserve/COVID list.

This is a massive blow for the Minnesota Vikings as they try to jockey their way to a postseason berth. Cook has been ruled out, so fantasy managers are set to be down an RB1 for the semi-finals, so here is hoping you found a way to handcuff Cook with Alexander Mattison this year. Mattison, who was activated from the list yesterday, has a tough matchup against the Los Angeles Rams but has volume-based RB1 appeal. Mattison is currently our third-ranked running back for Week 16.

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins (ribs) was limited Wednesday.

It's been a minute since Cousins popped up on the injury report. Expect limited reps the rest of this week ahead of a tough matchup against the Rams Week 16.