Cowboys plan to promote RB Dalvin Cook

Dalvin Cook is set to make his season debut Sunday night. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the Cowboys plan to promote the veteran running back from the practice squad. Dianna Russini of The Athletic adds definitively that Cook will play tomorrow night against the 49ers.

The former Pro Bowl RB has been on the Cowboys practice squad since August. However, with the Cowboys coming off the bye, it appeared to be growing optimism that Cook will make his debut in Dallas in Week 8. That will be the case, and Cook could have a chance to contribute to an unfavorable RB room right away.

The Cowboys have rushed for a league-low 463 yards this season. The front desk didn’t do much to replace the starter Tony Pollardwho left for the Titans in free agency. The organization reunited with the old friend Ezekiel Elliottbut the veteran saw an inconsistent role while contributing just three yards per carry. Rico Dowdle leads the team with 59 rushing attempts for 246 yards, but the 26-year-old has yet to find the end zone.

Of course, Cook shouldn’t be expected to be a sudden savior for the RB corps. While the veteran isn’t even two seasons removed from 1,400-yard games, he appeared to take a definite step back in 2023. Cook averaged 3.2 yards per attempt in 15 games with the Jets before for the teams to decide. to separate each other. Cook caught on with the Ravens and made his debut with the team in the divisional round, collecting 23 yards on eight carries.

According to NFL Network’s Tom PelisseroCook “weakened it in practice”. While it would be delusional to think Cook can match his Vikings production, the Cowboys would simply benefit from a slight improvement from his awful 2023 campaign.