The Facts: The Vikings are easing Cook back into training camp. He has flashed his previous elusiveness in limited 11-on-11 drills without a knee brace — which was his choice — giving coaches, teammates and observers a glimpse into his potential for 2018. But asked if he's on schedule in his return, Cook said: "I don’t ever like to say ahead of schedule, because a lot of people put that word out there. ... But I truly feel like I’m ahead of schedule. I feel comfortable with where I am. Like I just feel like I took a step forward, you know?"

Diehards Line: As Profootballtalk.com noted, given that confidence, it’s not surprise that Cook is ready to take the next step in his return to the field. The team will be wearing full pads for Monday’s practice and Cook showed no reticence about what lies ahead when he was asked if he’s set to take a hit. “I’m ready to deliver it,” he told Star Tribune staffer Andrew Krammer. “That’s what I’m ready to do. That’s my mind-set, man. 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. ..." The Vikings haven’t laid out a plan for the first preseason game at this point, but Cook said he hopes to be on the field against the Broncos on August 11 for his first game action since Week 4 of last season.