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FSU Alums: Dalvin Cook preparing for 2018 return from knee injury

By Jason Parker

ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 10: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 10, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 10: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 10, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Former FSU star Dalvin Cook went down with a season ending knee injury back in October – but is already focused on bouncing back for the 2018 season.

For three seasons while dominating the backfield for FSU football, Dalvin Cook did everything from setting a freshman rushing yards record (since broken by Cam Akers) and finished his time as the leading rusher in program history before heading to the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings. For three and a quarter games in his rookie season, things were going just as well.

Then, in the blink of an eye, Cook’s first season in the NFL came to an end when he tore his ACL in the Vikings’ October 1st game against the Detroit Lions. Cook’s final line of the season showed his potential as he finished with 354 yards and two touchdowns – in a total of 13 quarters, putting him on pace to have over 1,400 yards if he had stayed health (which would have put him seventh all time).

Since that injury, and while watching the Vikings make it all the way to the NFC championship game, the former FSU standout has been working hard to get back on the field for the 2018 season. He recently told Vikings.com that the process is slow, but their is progress.

"“I’m back jogging,” Cook said. “That was the No. 1 goal — to get back on my feet and get jogging. That’s where I’m at right now in my rehab, and I’m just going from there.”“I’ve got to get back healthy and get back on the field and be reliable on the field.”"

Cook said he plans on staying in Minneapolis to work with team trainers and staff to get healthy for the upcoming season. One would think that the chances of him making it back for May practices isn’t likely, but he should be back by the time training camp begins.

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During his time at FSU, Cook dealt with all kinds of injuries that sidelined him for almost two complete games his sophomore season and required several surgeries. Each time, he bounced back better than before – and there is no reason to think that won’t take place this time as well.

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