A source told Jeremy Fowler that Dalvin Cook will play against the PittsburghSteelers on Thursday night, just 11 days after dislocating his left shoulder.
According to multiple media outlets, Cook was expected to miss at least two games after he injured his shoulder against the 49ers.
According to Fowler, a source told Russini that the Vikings were optimistic about Cook's chances of playing against Pittsburgh, and that Cook has passed a series of medical tests on his shoulder.
Cook was carted off the field in Minnesota's loss to San Francisco in November and is expected to return Thursday. He missed Sunday's loss to the Lions but was listed as questionable for Thursday night's game after being limited in practice.
The Vikings, who have lost four of their past six games, are in danger of falling out of the playoffs if Cook is not healthy.
Cook has rushed for 773 yards and four touchdown in nine games this season. Despite missing three games this season, he is seventh in the league in rushing yards per game at 85.9.
The Vikings will be without wide receiver Adam Thielen and offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw for Thursday's game.
