Vikings' Cook: 'Ready to deliver' 1st hit since knee injury

Minnesota Vikings sophomore Dalvin Cook is ready to test the knee injury that ended his rookie campaign in Week 4; and not just against the sort of contact that running backs are most familiar with.

Cook was asked in an interview with Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune if he's looking to "get that first hit out of the way" when pads go on at training camp Monday.

"I’m ready to deliver it. That’s what I’m ready to do. That’s my mind-set, man," Cook said. "I’m going to go out there and play and be me. I know my knee is fixed. I know I’m healed up. Put the time in, go out there, and play."

Cook, who recently ditched his knee brace for involvement in 11-on-11 drills at practice, hopes to play in the Vikings' first preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Aug. 11, one day after his 23rd birthday.

"It’s always a good birthday present to go run around and have fun, do what I love to do," Cook said. "That’s always a great birthday present."

- With h/t to Pro Football Talk