Dalvin Cook Joins Dallas Cowboys Amidst DaRon Bland Injury Concerns
In a significant move that may reshape their offensive dynamics, the Dallas Cowboys have signed four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. Cook, who worked out for the team on Tuesday, will initially join the practice squad to learn their system and acclimate to the Cowboys' playbook. "He’s initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system," said Jerry Jones, owner and general manager of the Cowboys.
Bolstering the Offense
Cook's addition is strategic for the Cowboys, who led the NFL in scoring with an average of 29.9 points per game in the 2023 season. However, their red zone efficiency lagged at 56.3%, an area Jones is eager to improve. "We needed to have improvement, especially in that red zone, needed to have improvement getting in that end zone with that running game. This all bolsters that up. I’m really pleased with where we are right now at running back," Jones noted.
Cook’s credentials are impressive. He made the Pro Bowl in four out of his last five years with the Minnesota Vikings, accumulating 5,238 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns since 2019. He's the Vikings' third-leading rusher with a total of 5,993 yards and managed at least 1,135 rushing yards in each of his Pro Bowl seasons from 2019 to 2022. In the 2023 season, Cook played for both the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens, accumulating 214 rushing yards on 67 carries.
Depth and Competition
The Cowboys' current roster already features a solid mix of talent in the running back position, including Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke. Jones expressed excitement about the addition of Cook, suggesting it enhances what is already a capable lineup. "We had hoped that as time went along this offseason, we would have an opportunity to maybe look at a player of his stature if the right circumstances came along," Jones commented.
Cook underwent shoulder surgery rehab during the 2024 offseason, and Jones noted that the workout with the Cowboys showed he was in good shape. "We had a workout for him. He’s in good shape. He’ll get a lot more work. He will learn the system as he goes, and he could really help us out this year,” Jones said.
Defensive Concerns
While the addition of Cook offers optimism for the offense, the Cowboys face challenges on the defensive side of the ball. All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland is dealing with a foot injury, casting some uncertainty over the secondary. However, Jones has decided to rely on internal solutions rather than looking for external help. When asked if he was interested in seeking outside assistance for the cornerback position, Jones firmly responded, "not at all."
This injurious setback places additional pressure on defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to optimize the talent within the existing roster. Bland has been an integral part of the Cowboys' defense, and his absence could pose a significant challenge as the team advances through the season.
A Balanced Approach
The Cowboys' strategy going forward appears to be a balanced approach to bolstering their offensive effectiveness while addressing defensive vulnerabilities internally. The signing of Dalvin Cook is poised to enhance their red zone efficiency and overall scoring capabilities, potentially easing the burden on the defense as they work through injuries.
As Jerry Jones succinctly put it, "We’re all excited about what Zeke can do for us," underscoring a sense of optimism and readiness for what lies ahead. The combination of seasoned veterans and strategic new additions like Cook aims to keep the Cowboys competitive in the NFL hierarchies.
Only time will tell how these adjustments will pan out, but for now, the Dallas Cowboys are making all the right moves to adapt and thrive in a highly competitive landscape.