The Dallas Cowboys are set to sign veteran running back Dalvin Cook to their practice squad, according to his agency. Cook, who had a productive visit with the Cowboys on Tuesday, will join the team’s practice squad while Dallas’ 53-man roster already features running backs Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, and Deuce Vaughn, along with fullback Hunter Luepke.
Cook’s recent workout with the Cowboys was reportedly impressive, with sources noting that he appeared to be in excellent shape. As a practice squad member, Cook can be elevated to the gameday roster for Dallas’ September 8 opener against the Browns. He is eligible for up to three elevations from the practice squad, after which he would need to be added to the 53-man roster to remain active.
Last season, Cook played for both the Jets and the Ravens. He rushed for 214 yards in 15 games with the Jets, averaging 3.2 yards per carry. After joining the Ravens in January, Cook rushed for 23 yards on eight carries during their divisional round win over the Texans, but did not see action in the AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs.
The Cowboys are expected to use a committee approach in their backfield, with Elliott returning after a one-year stint with the Patriots. Although Elliott did not carry the ball during the preseason, his workload increased in training camp to prepare for the season. Dowdle, who had a solid year last season with 89 carries and 361 yards, had just three carries for 14 yards in one preseason game. Vaughn led Cowboys running backs in the preseason with 87 yards on 14 carries.
Cook’s recent performance stats are notable—his 5,238 rushing yards over the past five seasons rank fourth in the NFL, trailing only Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Nick Chubb. A second-round draft pick by the Vikings in 2017, Cook is Minnesota’s third-leading all-time rusher, with four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2019 to 2022. His standout year came in 2020 when he amassed 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns. In addition, Cook has recorded 236 career receptions for 1,872 yards and five touchdowns.
In joining the Cowboys, Cook will be surrounded by familiar faces, including linebacker Eric Kendricks and defensive tackle Linval Joseph, who also previously played for the Vikings.
