The entire Vikings organization is thinking of Dalvin Cook and his family following the death of Dalvin's father, James Cook.
The Vikings running back left Minnesota for Florida on Wednesday, taking an excused absence from the team.
ESPN's Courtney Cronin first reported Cook's departure on Wednesday via Twitter:
NFL Media's Tom Pelissero added the following:
Cook will finish his fourth pro season with a career-best 1,557 rushing yards, which is the third-most in franchise history. His 1,918 scrimmage yards are the most in the NFL in 2020 and rank second in Vikings history for a single season.
Selected to the Pro Bowl in back-to-back years, Cook rushed for 16 touchdowns, which is tied for the NFL lead entering Week 17. He added a 50-yard receiving touchdown at Green Bay.
Cook's 17 total touchdowns are the third-most by a Vikings player in one season.
Cook posted two photos of him with his father on his Instagram account:
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Justin Jefferson opened their media sessions Wednesday by expressing their condolences to Cook's family.
"Dalvin lost his dad. That's tragic news," Cousins said. "I just found out this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, and I just want him to take all of the time he needs to process through that. I'm very sorry to hear that."
Cousins did not have a chance to speak directly with Cook but did send him a text.
"First and foremost, I want to give all my prayers to Dalvin and his family," Jefferson said. "It's a tough situation to be in, to lose your loved ones, but we're all behind him and all praying for him."
