Nearly two months after signing with the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, Dalvin Cook will make his season debut Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers.
The 29-year-old runner was elevated to the main roster after seeing an increase in first-team reps in practice. The Cowboys could use Cook’s help, as they currently rank last in the NFL in rushing yards per game (77.2) and rushing touchdowns (2).
Rico Dowdle has a team-high 246 rushing yards, while Ezekiel Elliott has 115 rushing yards on the season.
“I think the biggest thing for us is that we’re going to take the full week. Dalvin is ready (to play),” Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said Friday. “I really like the job he’s doing. I think he’s 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 end of the regular season. He was linked with the Baltimore Ravens for the playoffs.
While in New York, Cook played in 15 games and rushed for 214 yards on 67 attempts with no touchdowns. He carried the ball eight times for 23 yards in the Ravens’ divisional round victory 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 most productive running backs in the NFL in his prime with the Minnesota Vikings. He made four consecutive Pro Bowls between 2019 and 2022 and accumulated more than 1,300 yards in each of those campaigns.
Following 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.
