Reuters

Vikings cornerback Chris Cook returned to practice Thursday, putting him on track to return for the Vikings Dec. 23 game against the Texans.

Cook was placed on IR/designated for return, and today was the first day he was eligible to practice, according to Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com.

Cook suffered a broken right arm on Oct. 26 against the Buccaneers, while trying to tackle running back Doug Martin.

It was just the latest in a long string of injuries for the 2010 second-round pick. He barely played his senior year in college, and knee problems limited him to six games last season.

The Vikings are still on the fringes of the playoff hunt at 6-6, but getting him back would provide a bit of a boost.