The Facts: The Vikings have kept Cook off the practice field early in training camp in hopes of coming to a long-term deal. Those hopes became dimmer Wednesday. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that contract talks between the Vikings and Cook broke off Tuesday, per sources informed of the situation.

Diehards Line:Talks could restart at a later date, Pelissero noted, but at this point, the star running back is staring at playing 2020 on the final year of his rookie contract. Cook has insisted he's focused on Week 1 and isn't worried about his contract situation. Sides have attempted to get the former second-round pick, and engine of the Vikings offense, locked down to a new deal before the start of the season, but haven't bridged the gap in negotiations. The club's ability to use the franchise tag on Cook next year gives the team less incentive to give in to Cook's desires now. Running backs, unfortunately, are in a rough spot when getting their big second deals. Cook's situation is a continuation of that reality for one of the most physically demanding jobs in football.