Fansided

5 breakout players from Week 1 of 2019 NFL season

By Brad Berreman

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs past Al-Quadin Muhammad #97 of the Indianapolis Colts during overtime of a game at Dignity Health Sports Park on September 08, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs past Al-Quadin Muhammad #97 of the Indianapolis Colts during overtime of a game at Dignity Health Sports Park on September 08, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images /

3. Vikings RB Dalvin Cook

Cook missed 12 games as a rookie in 2017 due to a torn ACL, then a hamstring issue cost him five games last year. When he returned to action, and the Vikings switched offensive coordinators, he showed what he could with do with a bigger workload over the final three games of last season (46 carries for 248-5.4 yards per carry; eight catches for 83 yards).

Over the first 15 games of his career, Cook had 20 or more carries twice with two 100-yard rushing games. Those 20-carry outings came within his first three games as a rookie, before the torn ACL and last year’s hamstring issue that limited him in games outside of the ones he missed.

On Sunday, Cook ran around and through the Atlanta Falcons’ defense to the tune of 111 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. Quite simply, he looked like a perfect back for the zone-blocking scheme offensive assistant Gary Kubiak has brought with him. Fast, decisive and when called for, powerful.

The key for Cook this year will be health. If he can stay on the field, he’ll be heavily involved as the centerpiece of a run-first formula head coach Mike Zimmer wants to use. A breakout game in Week 1 could easily lead to a breakout season.