Rookie running backs shine in Seahawks' win over Vikings

The Vikings have high expectations for Dalvin Cook this season.

The former Florida State running back was already drawing comparisons to Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell even before the Vikings selected him in the second round of April's draft.

Chris Carson was unheralded out of Oklahoma State and the Seahawks picked him in the seventh round.

Both players shined Friday during Seattle's 20-13 victory over the Vikings in the Week 2 preseason game at CenturyLink Field.

Cook had just 6 yards on his first three carries. His next three garnered 33 yards and he finished the night with seven carries for 40 yards and caught a 10-yard pass from Sam Bradford.

After the slow start, the 5-10, 210-pound Cook displayed excellent vision and patience and ran with power as he moved closer to winning the starting running back job in Minnesota.

The Seahawks were missing starting running back Thomas Rawls because of an ankle injury, so former Packers running back Eddie Lacy got the start. He picked up 20 yards on six carries, but Carson was the star.

The 6-foot, 218-pound Mississippi native ran for 27 yards on six carries while running with toughness. That wasn't the only way Carson contributed. A fringe roster player must also shine on special teams and Carson created a turnover on the opening kickoff of the second half. He stripped Vikings rookie receiver Rodney Adams to set up a Blair Walsh field goal.

Carson has been having a great training camp and took one step closer to making the opening-day 53-man roster.