Vikings Running Back Dalvin Cook Making 'Excellent Progress' Following Surgery

The former Florida State standout is expected to shed his shoulder issues following the procedure.

Florida State star running back Dalvin Cook became a household name when he blasted onto the scenes against the Citadel in 2014, scoring his first career touchdown for the 'Noles and rushing for 73 yards while splitting carries with former running back Karlos Williams. Cook would become the best freshman running back FSU has ever had, rushing for 1,008 yards and seven touchdowns. 

He ranks second in FSU History with 5,399 all-purpose yards and is seventh in ACC History. Cook was a unanimous All-American, All-ACC First Team selection, and the Orange Bowl MVP during his final year at Florida State in 2016.

READ MORE: Former Florida State Star Identified as Trade Candidate ahead of 2023 NFL Draft

Fast forwarding to the 2017 NFL draft, you would see the workhorse responsible for 4,464 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns during his time in Tallahassee get taken in the second round (41st overall) by the Minnesota Vikings to begin his professional aspirations.

Those aspirations were quickly shut down when he went down early on with a leg injury in week four, but not before he set the Vikings' rookie debut rushing record with 127 yards on 22 carries.

Cook has spent the last three seasons battling an apparent shoulder injury and underwent surgery on his torn labrum in February. He appears to be making a speedy recovery and the shoulder is now "100 percent stable and stronger" according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.  

An update on Dalvin Cook following surgery to repair a torn labrum. This should end his string of dislocations. https://t.co/TXkVtVZ2Vg

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 3, 2023

There have been rumors rumbling of a potential trade deal for the Pro Bowler following the 2023 NFL Draft later this month, although he still has three years left on his current contract worth around $43 million in Minnesota.

The Florida native also dealt with a shoulder ailment at Florida State. He underwent surgery in 2016 and missed the majority of spring practice leading up to his final season with the Seminoles.

READ MORE: Johnny Wilson Shines as Seminoles Cross Halfway Mark of Spring Camp

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