Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made a decision regarding running back Dalvin Cook, as frustrations grow in the team’s running back situation. With the performance of the current backs falling short, the Cowboys are considering putting Cook on the field.
The team let go of 1,000-yard rusher Tony Pollard in the offseason, opting to re-sign Ezekiel Elliott, who has struggled as the lead back. Rico Dowdle, the No. 2 option, has shown some promise but hasn’t been standout. Meanwhile, Deuce Vaughn, the third-string back, has had limited touches, totaling just 34 yards on nine carries.
According to Pro Football Focus, Elliott is ranked 44th among 51 running backs after three weeks, and Dowdle is at 25th. As a team, the Cowboys have managed only 221 rushing yards, placing them 30th in the league.
Despite the bleak situation, there was hope that Cook could revitalize the running game. However, Dallas Morning News reporter Clarence Hill revealed that Cook will not be available to play in Week 4 against the Giants due to the short week.
In his appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Hill reported that Jerry Jones confirmed Cook’s absence for the Thursday night matchup.
At 29 years old, Cook is a four-time Pro Bowler who previously recorded four consecutive seasons with over 1,100 rushing yards while with the Vikings. After joining the Jets last season, he struggled to find a role behind starter Breece Hall, finishing with just 67 carries for 214 yards before being released.
Later, Cook signed with the Ravens for the playoffs but had limited impact, rushing for only 23 yards on eight carries in a single game. The Cowboys signed him as a free agent on August 28, hoping he could bolster their struggling running back corps.
The decision to hold Cook out this week suggests the Cowboys may be cautious as they assess how to integrate him into their lineup. As the team navigates its running back challenges, Cook’s potential contribution remains a topic of interest.
Overall, the Cowboys are left grappling with a lackluster rushing attack and will need to find solutions quickly as the season progresses. Cook’s situation will be closely monitored as fans await his debut in a Dallas uniform.