If you were hoping to see Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook make his debut this Sunday against the Ravens, you’re not alone. The Cowboys’ performance in their Week 2 loss to the Saints left much to be desired, particularly in the running game.
With the Saints building a 35-13 halftime lead, the Cowboys struggled to establish the run, finishing with just 68 yards on 21 carries. So far this season, Dallas has only managed 170 rushing yards, placing them 25th in the league. Their average of 3.7 yards per carry ranks 26th.
This seems like the perfect opportunity to debut Cook, a four-time Pro Bowler who was signed on August 28 to strengthen a shaky running back group after the departure of former Pro Bowler Tony Pollard and the return of aging ex-Cowboy Ezekiel Elliott.
However, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has indicated that Cook is unlikely to play in Week 3 against Baltimore. Cook last played for the Ravens after being signed for the playoffs following a rough year with the Jets.
Cowboys Content With Current Running Back Group? Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Jones downplayed the need for a change in the running back rotation, despite the team’s struggles in that department.
Elliott spent most of last season as a backup for the Patriots, and Rico Dowdle has battled injuries, recording only 96 carries in his three NFL seasons.
Still, Jones doesn’t expect Cook to play this week. “I don’t know how it will pan out, but our running back room looked healthy as of yesterday,” Jones said. “We could have had better protection, which is a strong point for Zeke, but overall, Rico did well. I don’t see a change involving Cook this week. I like where we are with our running backs; we just didn’t get to run them enough on Sunday.”
Dalvin Cook Making Progress Cook has been with the practice squad for three weeks, and if he doesn’t play Sunday, it’s unlikely he’ll be rushed into the Week 4 matchup against the Giants on a short week.
While Jones was pessimistic about Cook playing in Week 3, head coach Mike McCarthy offered a more neutral take on Monday, praising Cook’s progress and leaving the door open for his potential involvement.
“Dalvin looks good,” McCarthy said. “For a vet, learning the terminology is crucial, and he’s adjusted well. He’s as natural of an outside-zone runner as I’ve seen. He’s getting there.”
