In a notable move to strengthen their roster, the Dallas Cowboys have signed four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. The acquisition was confirmed by Cowboys' owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, who expressed optimism about Cook’s potential contributions to the team.
Dalvin Cook Joins Practice Squad
Jones revealed that Cook participated in a workout session on Tuesday, impressing the Cowboys' staff with his physical readiness. Shortly afterward, Cook was signed to the practice squad. "He’s initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system," Jones stated.
The seasoned running back, who boasts an impressive resume from his time with the Minnesota Vikings, made the Pro Bowl in four out of the last five years. Cook's tenure with the Vikings saw him amass 5,238 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns since 2019. His consistency was evident as he rushed for at least 1,135 yards in each of his Pro Bowl seasons from 2019 to 2022.
A Strategic Addition
Cook's addition comes at a pivotal time for the Cowboys, as they aim to enhance their already formidable offense. In 2023, the team led the NFL in scoring, averaging 29.9 points per game, yet struggled with red zone efficiency, managing a 56.3% success rate. Jones acknowledged this gap, stating, "We needed to have improvement, especially in that red zone, needed to have improvement getting in that end zone with that running game. This all bolsters that up. I’m really pleased with where we are right now at running back."
A Background of Excellence
Cook's prowess isn't limited to his time with the Vikings. In 2023, he played for both the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens, adding 214 rushing yards on 67 carries during the regular season. His overall performance has solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top running backs, and his experience will be valuable for the Cowboys as they push for postseason success.
Current Roster and Future Prospects
Dalvin Cook joins a talented roster of running backs that includes Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke. Elliott, a cornerstone of the Cowboys' running game, remains a key figure, with Jones expressing confidence in his abilities: "We’re all excited about what Zeke can do for us."
However, the addition of Cook provides much-needed depth and experience, particularly valuable given Elliott's injury history and the general wear and tear experienced by running backs. Jones hinted at the long-term strategy behind signing Cook: "We had hoped that as time went along in this offseason, we would have an opportunity to maybe look at a player of his stature if the right circumstances came along."
Navigating Challenges
The Cowboys are also managing other challenges, notably an injury to All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland, who is sidelined with a foot injury. Despite this setback, Jones emphasized that he is "not at all" interested in seeking external help for the cornerback position, indicating confidence in the current squad's ability to step up.
Looking Forward with Optimism
Dalvin Cook’s shoulder surgery rehab during the 2024 offseason appears to have been successful, setting the stage for him to make a strong impact with the Cowboys. Jones noted, "We had a workout for him. He’s in good shape. He’ll get a lot more work. He will learn the system as he goes, and he could really help us out this year."
As the Cowboys gear up for the season, the arrival of a player of Cook’s caliber is a promising development. His proven track record and the strategic fit within the Cowboys' offensive scheme suggest that he could provide the much-needed boost to push the team deeper into playoff contention.