The Minnesota Vikings were dealt a significant blow on Sunday night when star running back Dalvin Cook went down with a shoulder injury. Cook sustained the injury in the third quarter and did not return to the game against the 49ers. His status for Week 13 is up in the air, but it's likely the 26-year-old won't be ready for Sunday's showdown with the Detroit Lions.
As a result, the Vikings have made a move to bolster their depth at the position. According to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Vikings worked out former Lions running back Kerryon Johnson on Tuesday.
The #Vikings, seeking potential depth at running back due to Dalvin Cook injured, worked out former Lions running back Kerryon Johnson. Vikings play at Detroit on Sunday.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) November 30, 2021
Johnson was the Lions' second-round draft pick in 2018, having been picked 43rd overall out of Auburn. He played three seasons in Detroit, featuring in 34 games and starting 16. Johnson scored eight rushing touchdowns across his tenure in Detroit, before being cut prior to the start of the 2021 season.
He briefly latched on with the Eagles and the 49ers, appearing for a few special teams snaps for San Francisco in Week 3, but was later cut by the organization.
Injuries have plagued the young running back throughout his career, and while he is hopeful that he is past the ailments, he hasn't done enough to stick around on an NFL roster this year. The Vikings see strategic value in bringing the former Lion on board ahead of their NFC North rivalry matchup.
With Cook out, the Vikings are expected to lean heavily upon Alexander Mattison when it comes to their ground attack, so there's a chance they add Johnson in order to lessen the burden on their backup running back.
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