The road has been rocky for former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook since the team released him last off-season. He signed with the New York Jets but rarely saw the field. He was released and signed by the Baltimore Ravens, where he played in one postseason game.
Cook spent most of this offseason getting back into playing shape after most of last offseason rehabbing various injuries and hoping a team would take a chance on him. Wednesday morning, the Dallas Cowboys announced they would be the team to do it with the signing of Cook to their practice squad with the expectation he winds up on the 53-man roster.
Cowboys to sign RB Dalvin Cook. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/KNIauYKR5E
— NFL (@NFL) August 28, 2024
After losing Tony Pollard in free agency to the Tennessee Titans, the Cowboys have been trying to address the running back position all off-season. They brought back veteran Ezekiel Elliott, and like the promise that young running back Rico Dowdle has shown in his limited snaps with the team, adding Cook gives the Cowboys some insurance in the backfield.
Cook had the best years of his career with the Vikings, where he had four straight seasons of 1,000 rushing yards from 2019-2022 and ranks third all-time in rushing yards for the franchise behind Adrian Peterson and Robert Smith.
Over his eight-year career, Cook has totaled over 6,000 rushing yards and averaged nearly five yards per carry, but his efficiency and productivity have suffered with age. Now approaching 30, the days of Cook being one of the league's top backs are likely behind him. Still, if the Cowboys face injury problems at the position, Cook can step in as a spot starter when needed.
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