Vikings’ run game, pass rush banged up

A pair of Vikings setbacks could improve the Jets’ chances of getting above .500.

While Minnesota’s Dalvin Cook returned to practice Wednesday and seemed ready to play after missing the past two games with a hamstring injury, the running back left Thursday’s practice early and was listed as a non-participant. In Cook’s place, Latavius Murray rushed for 155 yards, and a touchdown, in last week’s win over the Cardinals.

The Vikings wouldn’t be able to replace Danielle Hunter as easily.

The star defensive end, who leads the NFL with seven sacks this season, practiced Wednesday, but sat out Thursday’s session with a groin injury, which coach Mike Zim- mer said was “part of the plan.” Hunter’s status for Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium is uncertain.

“He’s a load,” Jets coach Todd Bowles said of Hunter, before the injury was announced. “He can run over you, or around you, so we’ve got our work cut out for us there.”

Hunter’s absence left the Vikings without their top-three defensive linemen. Nose tackle Linval Joseph, who also has appeared in every game this season, missed his second straight practice ( ankle/ knee/shoulder), while defensive end Everson Griffen will miss his fifth straight game with a mental health issue.

The Vikings are tied for the fifth-most sacks in the league (18).

Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams (back) returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday, as did wide receiver Robby Anderson ( hamstring) and offensive lineman Spencer Long (knee/finger). Linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis (foot) was upgraded to a limited participant.

Running back Isaiah Crowell (foot) did not practice for the second straight day, along with wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (groin), and cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson (quad) and Buster Skrine (concussion).