EAGAN, Minn. — Things appear to be going from bad to worse for the unraveling Minnesota Vikings.
Already reeling from another demoralizing overtime loss, the club was hit Tuesday with news of a civil lawsuit against star running back Dalvin Cook alleging he battered and falsely imprisoned a former girlfriend in his home last year.
Cook faced reporters as part of the team's weekly press conference, but didn't delve deeply into the lawsuit. "I'm the victim in this situation, and the truth will come out," he said. "I hate being a distraction for the team, but I know these guys got my back 100%."
When asked about the allegations against Cook, head coach Mike Zimmer's answer was short and to the point. "A civil matter... it is what it is, I don't know much about it, obviously."
Zimmer also revealed Wednesday that an unnamed player was taken to the ER Tuesday night struggling to breath, apparently suffering from serious symptoms of COVID.
"It was scary," Zimmer said about the situation.
The coach told reporters that the player involved was fully vaccinated, and added that 29 players and staff members will be tested Wednesday due to close contact with the player.
While Zimmer would not identify the involved player, ESPN reporter Courtney Cronin is reporting that it is offensive lineman Dakota Dozier, who was place on the league's COVID list last Friday.
All-Pro safety Harrison Smith and center Garrett Bradbury also missed Sunday's game against Baltimore after being put on the NFL's COVID list.
The Vikings take on the 5-3 Los Angeles Charges this Sunday on the road.