The Dallas Cowboys have made a notable addition to their roster, signing four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. The former Minnesota Vikings star, who recently had stints with the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens, will initially join the practice squad, with the potential to make a significant impact on the team's running game as the season progresses.
Cook's arrival comes after a workout held on Tuesday, which evidently impressed the Cowboys' management. Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed optimism about Cook's capabilities and potential contribution. "He’s initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system," said Jones. "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."
Strengthening the Offensive Line-Up
The Cowboys have reasons to be delighted with Cook's arrival, especially considering his impressive track record. During his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, Cook made the Pro Bowl in four out of five seasons from 2019 to 2022, amassing 5,238 rushing yards and scoring 43 touchdowns. His performance made him the Vikings' third-leading rusher with a total of 5,993 yards. Additionally, in his Pro Bowl seasons, he consistently rushed for at least 1,135 yards each year.
Jerry Jones underscored the importance of improving the Cowboys' running game, particularly in the red zone. "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," said Jones. "I’m really pleased with where we are right now at running back."
Current Roster Dynamics
Cook joins an already robust roster of running backs comprising Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke. The addition of Cook could instill a new dynamic in Dallas' offensive strategy. The Cowboys led the NFL in scoring last year, averaging 29.9 points per game. However, their red zone efficiency stood at 56.3%, leaving room for improvement in converting scoring opportunities into touchdowns.
The inclusion of Cook, fresh off a season where he accumulated 214 rushing yards on 67 carries, could be instrumental in addressing this shortfall.
Injuries and Recovery
The Cowboys' decision to sign Cook comes amid some challenges, notably the injury to All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland, who is currently sidelined with a foot injury. Despite this setback, Jones remains firm in his approach, stating he was "not at all" interested in seeking external help for the cornerback position.
Another factor contributing to Cook's arrival in Dallas is his recent recovery from shoulder surgery during the 2024 offseason. Jones assured that Cook is in good shape and will gradually get more work as he acclimates to the Cowboys' system. "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," Jones noted.
An Eye on the Future
With Cook settling into the practice squad, the Cowboys' management and fanbase are hopeful that his experience and skill will translate into on-field success. Jones emphasized the strategic advantage of having an established player like Cook learn the system before potentially stepping into a larger role.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, the excitement surrounding Ezekiel Elliott’s potential return to form complements the anticipation of Cook's contributions. "We’re all excited about what Zeke can do for us," Jones added, signaling a multifaceted offensive approach for Dallas.
In summary, the acquisition of Dalvin Cook is a calculated move aimed at bolstering the Cowboys' running game, improving their red zone efficiency, and adding depth to their already strong offensive roster. As Cook integrates into the team, his proven track record and experience could be pivotal in the Cowboys' pursuit of excellence this season.