Vikings RB Cook responds to personal injury lawsuit

Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook, facing a personal injury lawsuit from a former girlfriend for allegedly assaulting her during an altercation at his home last November, maintains he was the victim in the fight. NFL spokesman

Brian Mccarthy said the matter will be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy, but Cook will continue to practice and play with the team.

In other Vikings news, guard Dakota Dozier — placed on the reserve/ COVID-19 list Friday — is stable after being hospitalized Tuesday because of breathing difficulty. The 30-year-old is one of four Vikings players on the virus list.

■ Steelers: Former wide receiver Louis Lipps, who will be inducted into the team’s Hall of Honor on Sunday, will not attend the ceremony after his arrest Saturday on DUI charges. The 59-yearold, who played eight seasons with Pittsburgh, had a blood-alcohol level of .235, authorities said.

■ Panthers: Quarterback Sam Darnold will be placed on injured reserve with an incomplete fracture of the scapula in his right shoulder, sustained in Week 9, and is expected to be sidelined at least four weeks, coach Matt Rhule said, noting P.J. Walker will start in Darnold’s place.

■ Bengals: Executive vice president Katie Blackburn became the first woman appointed to the NFL’S competition committee, which plays a major role in rules changes. The 56-year-old is owner Mike Brown’s daughter and co-founder/coach Paul Brown’s granddaughter.

Quarterback Mike White will make a third straight start Sunday, with Joe Flacco serving as his backup, coach Robert Saleh said, noting White could remain the starter after rookie Zach Wilson recovers from a knee sprain.

Guard Joel Bitonio signed a three-year, $48 million extension through 2025, tying the the 30-yearold three-time Pro Bowl selection with Kansas City’s Joe Thuney as the NFL’S top-paid left guard.