Cowboys hint at new role for Dalvin Cook

Jan 23, 2020; Kissimmee, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cooke (33) poses with NFL 100th anniversary gloves during NFC practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys may take a look at a new running back in their upcoming Week 8 contest.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy hinted that Dalvin Cook, who has spent the entire season on the practice squad, could be elevated to the team’s active roster for their game against the San Francisco 49ers. The move comes as the team looks for ways to jumpstart what has been the NFL’s worst rushing offense in terms of yardage.

“I think the biggest thing for us is we’re taking the full week. Dalvin is ready [to play],” McCarthy said Friday, via Garrett Podell of CBS Sports. “I really like the work that he’s putting in. I think he’s clearly crossed over the threshold of the communication and the understanding [of the offense].”

Cook signed with the Cowboys at the end of training camp, so the team took it slow with him in terms of getting him ready to play. Perhaps Cook did not expect to have to wait until Week 8 for his shot, but he appears poised to get it now.

Cook made four straight Pro Bowls from 2019 through 2022, but struggled to make an impression with the New York Jets in 2023 and effectively had a lost season. The 29-year-old will have to seize his chance with Dallas, and his new role might be bad news for another veteran running back who already had some issues with his lack of workload.