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Vikings' Dalvin Cook injures shoulder vs. Chargers

CARSON, Calif. -- Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook sustained a shoulder injury at the beginning of the third quarter during Sunday's 39-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

On second-and-3 on the Vikings' first drive of the third quarter, with the Vikings leading by nine points, quarterback Kirk Cousins pitched the ball to Cook, who shuffled to his right before being wrapped up around the ankles by Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman. Cook instantly went down and was tended to on the field by trainers. He walked to the sideline, disappeared inside the medical tent and was ruled out shortly thereafter.

When asked about Cook's injury after the win, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said: "I don't know. I'm not a doctor." Zimmer didn't provide a timeline on when Cook will be back, but a source told ESPN after the game that Cook was in good spirits.

Cook was leading Minnesota in rushing with nine carries for 27 yards.

The Vikings' backfield is down to Ameer Abdullah, Mike Boone and fullback C.J. Ham. Minnesota entered Week 15 without Cook's backup, rookie Alexander Mattison, who is dealing with an ankle injury.