With their ground game floundering, the Dallas Cowboys are making a bold move—calling up four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook from the practice squad for his season debut against the 49ers on Sunday night. After sitting on the sidelines since August, Cook’s activation comes as a much-needed attempt to jumpstart a Cowboys rushing attack that has been among the league’s worst.
The Cowboys’ struggles on the ground are stark, amassing a mere 463 rushing yards this season, the lowest in the NFL. The team’s attempt to recapture magic by re-signing Ezekiel Elliott has been lackluster, with Elliott averaging only three yards per carry and failing to take charge. Rico Dowdle, who leads the team with just 246 rushing yards, has yet to hit the end zone. With Tony Pollard’s departure to the Titans, Dallas has struggled to find rhythm or consistency in the backfield.
Now, Cook has his chance to make an impact, but expectations should remain cautious. While once one of the NFL’s most explosive backs, Cook took a noticeable step back in 2023, managing only 3.2 yards per carry in a challenging season with the Jets. Though his numbers dipped, Cook reportedly looked rejuvenated in Cowboys practices, with NFL insider Tom Pelissero noting he’s been “tearing it up.”
Cook may not be the miracle solution to the Cowboys’ rushing woes, but even a modest bump in production could be pivotal as Dallas fights for offensive balance.
