Cook holding out on Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Dalvin Cook logged off last week from virtual team activities with the Minnesota Vikings, no longer willing to participate until he has secured a new contract.

Cook’s situation is the latest standoff of sorts between an NFL team and a star running back, with the possibility of several more in the coming year in a league that has steadily driven down the financial value of the position.

The Vikings, though, have made no secret of their desire to make Cook the centerpiece of their offense. It’s difficult to envision them not eventually striking a deal with a player they’ve frequently praised for his work in the backfield, in the locker room and in the community.

Gordon wants reinstatement

NEW YORK (AP) — Frequently suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon has applied to the NFL for reinstatement.

NFL Network first reported Gordon’s application for reinstatement.

Gordon, 29, has been suspended eight times overall by either his team or the NFL, including six times since 2013, mostly for violating the league’s policies on banned substances. He played for New England and then briefly for Seattle last season before being suspended indefinitely.

An All-Pro in 2013 for Cleveland despite missing the first two games while suspended, he led the league with 1,646 yards receiving, but his career has spiraled since. Before the 2014 season, Gordon was suspended for a year for violating the substance abuse policy, a ban that was later reduced to 10 games. But he was later suspended for the season finale by the Browns for violating team rules.

He didn’t play in 2015 or 2016. And in 2018, with the Patriots, he missed the final three games.