Nearly two months after signing with the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, Dalvin Cook will make his season debut against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night.
The 29-year-old running back was elevated to the main roster after seeing an uptick in first-team reps in practice. The Cowboys could use help from Cook as they are currently last in the NFL in rushing yards per game (77.2) and rushing touchdowns (2).
Rico Dowdle has amassed 246 yards on the ground, while Ezekiel Elliott has 115 rushing yards this season.
‘I think the most important thing for us is that we take the whole week. Dalvin is ready [to play]” Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said Friday. “I really like the job he does. I think he clearly crossed the threshold of communication and understanding. [of the offense].”
Cook spent last season with the New York Jets and was released before the regular season finale. He joined the Baltimore Ravens for the playoffs.
While in New York, Cook played 15 games and ran for 214 yards on 67 attempts with no touchdowns. He carried the ball eight times for 23 yards in the Ravens’ win over the Houston Texans. He did not play in Baltimore’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship.
Cook was one of the NFL’s most productive backs in his prime with the Minnesota Vikings. He earned four consecutive Pro Bowls from 2019 to 2022, while accumulating more than 1,300 receiving yards in each of those campaigns.
After shoulder surgery in the 2023 offseason, the Vikings released Cook before the start of training camp. After signing with the Jets, he took on a backup role as part of a committee.
