Zimmer was asked after Sunday’s game if he was concerned about running back Dalvin Cook’s mindset against the Chargers after a former girlfriend last week filed a lawsuit, alleging she was assaulted by him last November.
He was asked what other very notable people he has on his cell phone. Zimmer went back to talking to the media.
Sanders told Zimmer he has been feeling “better and better every day.” You weren’t going to let no young coach (first-year Chargers coach Brandon Staley) beat you, I know you better than that.” I knew he was going to be dominant yesterday. “Hey everybody, that’s a big win my man had yesterday,’’ Sanders said. The loquacious Sanders, who played for Dallas in the 1990s when Zimmer was a Cowboys assistant, didn’t turn down a chance to talk. “I’m on an interview right now with the media, you’re on speaker.” “How are you feeling?’’ Zimmer said to Sanders, who had been hospitalized after complications from foot surgery. But the hall of fame defensive back called back, and Zimmer spoke to him. The first time Zimmer picked up, the line soon went dead. Zimmer had been trying for two weeks to reach Sanders, who had been hospitalized, so he took the call. Zimmer was talking on the Zoom call when Deion Sanders called his cell phone. Hunter is out for the season, and Pierce must be on injured reserve at least two more games. The other two starters out were defensive end Danielle Hunter (shoulder) and Michael Pierce (elbow). Asked about Smith, Barr and Peterson playing Sunday, Zimmer said he’s “hopeful.” In addition to Smith and Bradbury in line to return, linebacker Anthony Barr (knee) could be back and cornerback Patrick Peterson (hamstring) is eligible to return after being on injured reserve for three games. The Vikings had six starters out against the Chargers, and as many as four could be back to face the Packers at U.S. The other player on a COVID-19 list is practice squad tackle Timon Parris.
Vaccinated players who test positive can return sooner than in 10 days if they have two negative tests separated by 24 hours. 8, is expected back at the facility Wednesday or Thursday, and that defensive end Kenny Willekes, placed on the 53-man list last Friday, still must “pass a couple tests” to return. Zimmer said linebacker Ryan Connelly, placed on the 53-man list Nov. … And Garrett is good, too,” said center Mason Cole. “Saw Dakota (Monday) for the first time, and he’s doing good.