Vikings Coach's Cryptic Quote Appears To Reveal Dalvin Cook's Future

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 22: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings avoids a tackle by Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

There have been increasing rumors that the Minnesota Vikings might part ways with longtime star running back Dalvin Cook at some point before the 2023 season. While nobody in the organization has said that outright, one coach cryptically indicated that it could happen.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips was asked whether third-string running back Ty Chandler would be seeing an increased role in 2023. Phillips replied, “I think he’s going to have to be.”

It doesn’t take a genius to put two-and-two together here. If Cook were to be traded, or cut, Alexander Mattison would become the feature back and Chandler would become the No. 2 back.

Of course, Phillips could also be referring to the overall state of the Vikings backfield. The Vikings OC could be implying that Chandler is expected to make the jump because none of the other young backs they’ve brought in thus far look like they’re up to the task.

But for many, this is a pretty clear sign that Cook’s days in purple and gold are numbered.

“Saying Ty Chandler has to be ready to step up cements for me Cook is gone. I eased up on drafting Mattison and Chandler after Cook wasn’t released or traded a couple weeks ago after going heavy on them tostart. Well, I’m back heavy on them until Cook is gone and ADP shifts,” one user wrote.

“This taking longer than I thought… but it will be done,” wrote another.

Have we seen the last of Dalvin Cook in a Vikings uniform?