Cowboys Sign Dalvin Cook Amidst DaRon Bland Injury
Cowboys Sign Dalvin Cook Amidst DaRon Bland Injury
The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant addition to their roster by signing four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. This move comes at a crucial time as All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland suffers from a foot injury. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed confidence in the team's internal options, stating he was "not at all" interested in seeking external help for the cornerback position.
Cook Joins the Practice Squad
After working out for the Cowboys on Tuesday, Dalvin Cook was signed and will initially join the practice squad. "He’s initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system," Jones said. The organization appears optimistic about the veteran's potential contributions.
Jones elaborated on the team's meticulously timed move, saying, "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." Evidently, the stars have aligned for Cook and the Cowboys.
Cook’s Impressive Career
During his time with the Minnesota Vikings, Cook built an impressive resume, making the Pro Bowl in four out of his last five years. He effectively amassed 5,238 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns since 2019, making him the Vikings' third-leading rusher with 5,993 yards. Cook rushed for at least 1,135 yards in each of his Pro Bowl seasons from 2019 to 2022. His career achievements solidify his status as one of the elite running backs in the NFL.
In the 2023 season, Cook had stints with both the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens, accumulating 214 rushing yards on 67 carries. Though these numbers may not reflect his peak form, the Cowboys see a clear path to rejuvenation for the seasoned running back.
Strengthening the Backfield
The Cowboys’ offense led the NFL in scoring with an average of 29.9 points per game in 2023. However, their red zone efficiency left room for improvement, registering just 56.3%. As Jerry Jones pointed out, Cook's addition directly addresses this need: "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."
With a current roster featuring running backs Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke, adding Cook diversifies the backfield. "We’re all excited about what Zeke can do for us," Jones remarked, emphasizing the depth and potential of the unit.
Health and Future Outlook
Cook's journey has not been without its challenges, as he underwent shoulder surgery rehab during the 2024 offseason. Nevertheless, Jones remains optimistic: "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."
As the Cowboys focus on maintaining their high-scoring offense and increasing their red zone efficiency, the addition of Cook seems to be a well-calculated move. His proven track record and ability to adapt may well be the catalyst the Cowboys need to push further into the postseason.
In summary, the Dallas Cowboys' acquisition of Dalvin Cook reflects their strategic planning and commitment to bolstering their offense. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how Cook acclimates and impacts the Cowboys' performance.
