Alexander Mattison, Not Dalvin Cook, Featured on Vikings' Social Media

A choice that seems to reflect the high likelihood of Cook playing elsewhere next season.

The Vikings' social media accounts are topped with banner photos promoting the 2023 season. They feature four of the team's star offensive players: Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Kirk Cousins, and...Alexander Mattison.

In that spot that would usually be occupied by four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook, his former — and technically current — backup has taken his place. That's a not-so-subtle choice that seems to reflect the high likelihood of Cook playing elsewhere next season, whether after a trade or an outright release.

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Is this ultimately meaningless? Perhaps. Mattison being featured on these promo images does not, by any means, prevent the Vikings from bringing Cook back for the 2023 season if that's the way things play out. As of now, it seems like everything is still on the table.

The Vikings 'Want to Do Right' By Dalvin Cook, Whether Via Trade or Not

Still, it's just another sign that the most likely outcome is Cook's seven-year tenure with the Vikings coming to an end at some point this offseason. The Vikings can get younger and cheaper at the running back position by moving on from the 2017 second-round pick. In addition to Mattison — who was brought back on a two-year deal in free agency — they've got youngsters Ty Chandler and DeWayne McBride waiting in the wings for their opportunity.

https://t.co/koHJC5epgC pic.twitter.com/3mxEUYTC9s

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 16, 2023

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