Mattison (concussion) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mattison's return to practice coincides with news that Dalvin Cook won't be able to play Week 17 as he tends to a personal matter. Of course, Mattison will have to work his way through the NFL's concussion protocol, but if he does, he's slated to lead the Vikings backfield Sunday in Detroit. Aside from Mattison, Ameer Abdullah and Mike Boone are Minnesota's remaining available running backs.

Mattison (concussion) returned to practice Wednesday, putting him on track to start Sunday's game against Detroit in place of Dalvin Cook (personal), Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Between an appendectomy and now the concussion, Mattison has missed three of Minnesota's past four games. He'll have a nice chance to end the season on a high note if he's cleared from the concussion protocol, likely stepping in as the Vikings' lead back against a Lions defense that's given up the fourth-most rushing yards per game (135.5). The Vikings also have Ameer Abdullah and Mike Boone in the backfield, but the two have combined for only 14 carries this season.

Mattison (concussion) has been ruled out for Friday's game in New Orleans.

EDGE Analysis

Mattison sat out Weeks 13 and 14 due to an appendectomy, and upon his return this past Sunday against the Bears, he emerged from the contest with a concussion, which didn't allow him to practice this week. Until he does, he'll have made negligible progress through the protocol for head injuries. While Dalvin Cook will continue to lead the backfield, there may be some RB reps available for Ameer Abdullah, Mike Boone and C.J. Ham (quadriceps).

Mattison (concussion) missed practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

After missing two games due to an appendectomy, Mattison logged six snaps on offense and eight more on special teams en route to two touches for 15 yards from scrimmage Week 15 against the Bears. In the course of that contest, he suffered a concussion and now is subject to the protocol for head injuries before he can suit up again. Because the Vikings are operating on a short week with a Friday matchup with the Saints on tap, Mattison seems unlikely to play Week 16, especially with no practice reps yet under his belt.

Mattison (concussion) wasn't spotted at the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mattison was also listed as a non-participant in Tuesday's practice. The second-year back served as the top backup to Dalvin Cook in Week 15, but he suffered a concussion in the contest and will now need to clear the NFL's five-step protocol for head injuries before suiting up again. Ameer Abdullah and Mike Boone could be needed as depth options Christmas Day against the Saints if Mattison is out for the contest.

Mattison was listed as a non-participant in Tuesday's practice due to a concussion.

EDGE Analysis

After missing two games following an emergency appendectomy, Mattison returned to action for the Week 15 loss to the Bears and played a minor role behind lead back Dalvin Cook, finishing with one carry for one yard and a 14-yard reception over his six offensive snaps. Mattison appears to have picked up a concussion along the way, and he'll now have to clear the NFL's five-step protocol for head injuries in order to suit up Christmas Day against the Saints. If Mattison can't play, Ameer Abdullah and Mike Boone would serve as the top depth options behind Cook.

Mattison (illness) is active Week 15 against the Bears.

EDGE Analysis

Mattison has been sidelined back-to-back weeks, but a brief return to Thursday's session opened the door for the second-year back to jump back into action Week 15. There will remain legitimate questions about his usage, however, as Dalvin Cook is the unquestioned No. 1 back, and both Ameer Abdullah and Mike Boone are active for the contest as well.

Mattison (illness) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears.

EDGE Analysis

A return to practice Thursday as a limited participant gives Mattison a shot to avoid his third straight absence. He had an appendectomy Dec. 5, after seeing just five carries and 22 snaps in a three-game stretch Weeks 10 through 12. The Vikings will likely give Dalvin Cook the vast majority of backfield work in a crucial game this week, regardless of Mattison's availability.

Mattison (illness) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

During the portion of the session open to the media, Mattison took part in stretching and individual drills, which was enough for him to get the limited tag on Thursday's injury report. He's missed the last two games after getting an appendectomy Dec. 5, but his presence at practice may indicate he won't make it three.

Mattison (appendectomy) went through stretches and individual drills during the open portion of Thursday's practice, Eric Smith of the Vikings' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mattison's appearance at practice is his first since Dec. 4, as he required an emergency appendectomy a day later. The extent of the running back's participation Thursday won't be known until the Vikings release their second Week 15 practice report later in the day, but his presence on the field at least gives him an outside chance at returning from a two-game absence Sunday against the Bears.