Team news: Minnesota Vikings

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) is questionable for Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks.

Even a reduced workload for Cook makes Alexander Mattison a FLEX play in what should be a competitive, higher-scoring contest. Cook did not practice all week but the dynamic running back is a player that can get away with that. The issue is whether a Week 3 contest is worth risking his long-term health.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) sat out Wednesday's practice according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. He had his ankle wrapped during the media's availability.

Cook is expected to play Week 3 against Seattle but the injury could lead to more carries for Alexander Mattison.

Running back Dalvin Cook eventually made an early exit in the Vikings' 34-33 loss to the Cardinals due to a sprained right ankle suffered when Cardinals defensive lineman J.J. Watt tackled him low in the fourth quarter.

"He just got a little ankle sprain," coach Mike Zimmer said.

Related players: Alexander Mattison

The story went on to say: Cook, who finished with 148 yards from scrimmage, popped up and walked gingerly toward the sideline before dropping to the turf. Vikings trainers helped him to the sideline, where his right ankle was taped up. Cook returned, taking two more handoffs, but his movements were labored, and he was eventually replaced by Mattison on the final drive. It sounds like Cook has a chance to be OK as we head into Week 3. Mattison is worth picking up as a handcuff, however, if he's still on your wire.

Vikings TE Irv Smith Jr. is out 4-5 months after undergoing surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his knee, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Related Players: Tyler Conklin, Chris Herndon

The Chris Herndon acquisition by Minnesota confirms the rumors of an extended absence for Smith. Sadly, this surgery and its recovery timeline likely mean Smith will miss the 2021 season.

The Vikings have solved their TE issue, as they are trading for promising Jets TE Chris Herndon.

Related players: Irv Smith, Tyler Kroft, Ryan Griffin

The Jets will get draft pick compensation, sources say. As the tweet says, Herndon steps right in following Smith’s knee injury. Smith's timetable is still up in the air and the Vikings needed to address the position. Herndon has been highly-touted, but never really lived up to the hype after a rookie season where he caught 39 balls for over 500 yards and four TDs in 2018. He was hurt for 2019 and last year caught 31 balls for 287 yards and three TDs and recently fell behind Kroft in the pecking order.

As for the Jets, this is not a shocking move. Kroft has been one of the bigger surprises of the spring. He has seen a lot of time with the starting unit and caught two TD passes from Zach Wilson against the Packers a couple of weeks ago. Griffin is the Jets TE2.

Vikings TE Tyler Conklin has the wrapping off his injured hamstring.

Related players: Irv Smith Jr.

Thomasson added all indications are Conklin could be doing some practicing this week. He also added that's good news with Smith Jr. hurt and potentially missing some time. We have Conklin next up on the depth chart behind Smith Jr.

Vikings TE Irv Smith Jr. will undergo surgery for a meniscus injury and is expected to miss at least the start of the season.

There is no timetable for Smith’s return, but this certainly puts a minor damper on what was looking like a breakout season for the third-year tight end. Tyler Conklin is next in line at the position until Smith returns. He’ll likely miss the opener against the Bengals, then we’ll keep an eye out for Week 2 at Arizona.

Justin Jefferson (shoulder) already back in pads today.

The tweet said Jefferson got minimal 11-on-11 work, which is great news. He even caught a swing pass the tweet added.