The Dallas Cowboys have made a strategic move to bolster their offense by signing four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. The 28-year-old running back, who worked out for Dallas last Tuesday, will initially join the practice squad. This signing comes as a timely addition for the Cowboys, given their recent struggles in the red zone.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones was optimistic about the new signing. "He’s initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system," Jones stated. The Cowboys are keen to integrate Cook into their roster, especially since their current lineup of running backs, including Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke, offers a variety of skills but hasn’t fully addressed their red zone efficiency woes. In 2023, Dallas led the NFL in scoring, averaging 29.9 points per game, but their red zone efficiency lingered at 56.3%.
Cook's Proven Track Record
Cook brings a stellar track record to the table, having made the Pro Bowl in four of his last five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. His career statistics are impressive, with 5,238 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns since 2019, making him the Vikings' third-leading rusher with 5,993 yards. Notably, Cook rushed for at least 1,135 yards in each of his Pro Bowl seasons from 2019 to 2022.
Despite a turbulent 2023 season where he played for both the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens, Cook amassed 214 rushing yards on 67 carries. While those numbers were modest compared to his previous performances, his ability to adapt and contribute to different teams demonstrated his versatility and resilience. "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 commented.
Addressing Offensive Needs
Jones has been candid about the team's need to improve their performance 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. I’m really pleased with where we are right now at running back," he said. The addition of Cook is expected to provide that necessary offensive boost, offering another dynamic option in their ground game.
The Cowboys' decision to sign Cook also comes at a crucial time when they are dealing with injuries to key players. All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland has a foot injury, but Jones remains steadfast in his decision not to seek outside help for the cornerback position. "Not at all," he stated firmly when asked about considering external options. This signifies the organization’s confidence in their current squad and its depth.
Looking Ahead
While Cook initially joins the practice squad, the expectation is that he will soon make significant contributions on the field. His past accomplishments indicate that he has the potential to be a game-changer for Dallas. "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," Jones revealed.
It's worth noting that Cook has recently recovered from shoulder surgery rehab during the 2024 offseason, which could explain his presence on the practice squad as he continues to build back his strength and familiarity with the team's playbook.
The Cowboys are entering a phase where strategic signings like Cook could be the difference-makers in their quest for a successful season. With solid backing from the management and a clear plan to integrate Cook into the squad, the future seems promising. "We’re all excited about what Zeke can do for us," Jones added, underscoring the depth and potential of their running back core.
In the grand scheme of the Cowboys' plans, Dalvin Cook’s addition could be a masterstroke, provided he transitions well into the team's playing style and remains injury-free. Only time will tell how impactful this seasoned Pro Bowler will be in the Cowboys' offensive strategy.