Vikings at Panthers preview: RB Dalvin Cook to return for key game at Carolina

Oct. 15—VIKINGS (2-3) at PANTHERS (3-2)

— Kickoff: Noon Sunday

— Where: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

— TV: KMSP-Channel 9; Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Sara Walsh

— Radio: KFXN-FM 100.3; Paul Allen, Pete Bercich, Greg Coleman, Ben Leber

— Series: Vikings lead 9-6

— Line: Vikings by 2 1/2

This is a pivotal game for the Vikings before their bye week. They're looking to get back to .500 before a rugged stretch of games after the bye against Dallas, Baltimore, the Los Angeles Chargers and Green Bay.

Vikings running back Dalvin Cook will return after missing two of the past three games due to a sprained right ankle, including last Sunday's 19-17 win over Detroit. Alexander Mattison did fill in well during Cook's absence, rushing for 100 yards in each of the two games he missed.

Minnesota doesn't have an offensive touchdown in the second half of any of the past four games, and has averaged just 4.5 points in those second halves. The Vikings will try to get going against a Carolina team that is second in the NFL in total defense and third in scoring defense.

The Panthers will be without star running back Christian McCaffrey, who will miss his third straight game due to a hamstring injury. Chuba Hubbard has filled in for McCaffrey, and had 101 yards rushing in last Sunday's 21-18 loss to Philadelphia.