The Dallas Cowboys have made a notable addition to their roster by signing four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. Cook, who recently played for both the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 season, worked out for the Cowboys on Tuesday and was signed shortly thereafter. Initially joining the practice squad, Cook will have the opportunity to get acclimated to the team’s system before potentially making an impact on the main roster.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, emphasizing the strategic advantage it offers the team. "He’s initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system," Jones explained. "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."
Dalvin Cook brings a wealth of experience and a significant track record to the Cowboys. During his time with the Minnesota Vikings, Cook became the team's third-leading rusher, amassing 5,993 yards. He has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the field, rushing for at least 1,135 yards in each of his Pro Bowl seasons from 2019 to 2022. His tenure with Minnesota saw him accumulate 5,238 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns since 2019, which underscores his reliability and skill.
Addressing the Running Game
The Cowboys' decision to bring Cook on board aligns with their need to bolster their red zone efficiency, an area that required significant improvement. Last season, the Cowboys led the NFL in scoring, averaging an impressive 29.9 points per game. However, their red zone efficiency was a concerning 56.3%. "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," said Jones.
With the current roster of running backs, including Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke, the addition of Cook provides a seasoned option that can help diversify and strengthen the Cowboys' ground attack. Jones expressed his confidence in the existing lineup: "We’re all excited about what Zeke can do for us."
Overcoming Challenges
Cook’s recent season wasn't as prolific as his previous campaigns. Playing for both the Jets and the Ravens, he accumulated 214 rushing yards on 67 carries. Despite these modest numbers, the Cowboys are optimistic that Cook's experience and skill will be a valuable addition, especially as he gets more work and becomes familiar with the 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 remarked.
Cook's offseason was also marked by a shoulder surgery, from which he spent time rehabbing. This phase of recovery is critical, and joining the practice squad initially will allow Cook to ease into the demands of the team's playbook and physical expectations.
DaRon Bland's Injury
In other news, the Cowboys are facing a setback in their defense with All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland suffering a foot injury. This unfortunate development raises questions about the stability of the Cowboys' secondary. Despite this, Jerry Jones has made it clear that the team will not seek external help to fill Bland’s position. He confidently stated he was "not at all" interested in seeking additional resources from outside the organization.
As the Cowboys look to the upcoming season, the integration of Dalvin Cook into their roster represents a strategic move aimed at enhancing their offensive capabilities. Whether Cook will return to his Pro Bowl form remains to be seen, but his signing certainly adds depth and potential to an already dynamic Cowboys offense.
The Cowboys are poised to build on their impressive scoring record from last season, hoping that with the right adjustments, they will not only reach but exceed their ambitious goals.