The Dallas Cowboys have made another significant move to enhance their roster, signing veteran running back Dalvin Cook.
Dalvin Cook will join Cowboys practice squad first
The four-time Pro Bowler, who has been a consistent force in the NFL since 2017, joins the Cowboys after a recent stint with the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 season.
Cook’s arrival comes just after the Cowboys secured CeeDee Lamb, their standout wide receiver, on a four-year, $136 million extension.
Now, with Cook on board, the team is further solidifying its offensive lineup.
The deal was confirmed by Cook’s agency and reported by NFL Media, following a successful workout with the team on Tuesday.
Initially, Cook will join the Cowboys’ practice squad, a strategic move that allows the team flexibility.
According to sources, Cook looked sharp in his workout, and his presence on the practice squad means he could be called up to the active roster as soon as the Cowboys’ season opener against the Cleveland Browns on September 8.
The practice squad arrangement gives the Cowboys three opportunities to elevate Cook to the 46-man game-day roster before he must be permanently added to the 53-man roster to continue playing.
Four-time Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook is signing with the #Cowboys, per his agency LAA.
Cook was waiting for the right opportunity and always felt it was Dallas. A marquee addition in Big D. pic.twitter.com/wzGfMJ4hwJ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 28, 2024
Cook’s career has been marked by his impressive rushing ability, having amassed over 5,200 yards since 2019-ranking fourth in the league during that span.
His tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, where he played under current Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, was particularly noteworthy.
In Minnesota, Cook delivered four straight seasons of over 1,000 rushing yards, peaking in 2020 with 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns.
However, the 2023 season presented challenges for Cook.
After starting the year with the Jets, where he struggled behind an injury-riddled offensive line, he was traded to the Ravens.
Despite these hurdles, Cook remains a proven asset, and reports indicate that he has used the offseason to recover from shoulder surgery, feeling rejuvenated and ready to contribute to the Cowboys’ success.
With Cook’s addition, the Cowboys’ backfield is poised to operate as a committee, featuring Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, and Deuce Vaughn.
Elliott, returning after a year with the New England Patriots, will share the workload with Cook, adding depth and experience to the Cowboys’ running game.
This strategy aims to keep the running backs fresh and dynamic throughout the season.
As the Cowboys gear up for the 2024 NFL season, all eyes will be on how Cook integrates into the team and whether he can return to his peak performance levels.
His familiarity with key defensive players, like linebacker Eric Kendricks and defensive tackle Linval Joseph, who also played for the Vikings, could further ease his transition into the Cowboys’ system.
source:marca.com
