As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for their Sunday Night Football clash with the San Francisco 49ers, a late shakeup in their backfield has fans buzzing. Running back Dalvin Cook has been promoted from the practice squad, stepping in for the sidelined Rico Dowdle, who fell ill just hours before kickoff at Levi’s Stadium.
Dowdle, who has been Dallas’ main back in recent games, was a last-minute inactive due to illness, leaving Cook and Ezekiel Elliott to share the spotlight. This unexpected change shifts the dynamic for the Cowboys’ rushing attack, which has struggled in recent weeks. Although there was speculation that Elliott might sit this game out with Cook in play, Dowdle’s absence keeps Elliott active and ready to contribute.
Elliott’s role has been limited this season, but he recently expressed frustration over his playing time, tallying just 10 snaps in Week 6. Dowdle, meanwhile, was coming off a solid performance, and head coach Mike McCarthy had hinted at giving him more touches. Now, with Dowdle out, Elliott will likely see an uptick in snaps, with Cook providing additional depth in the backfield.
The Cowboys’ defense is also grappling with absences, with Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland already ruled out, and rookie corner Caelen Carson missing his fourth straight game due to a shoulder injury. In addition, cornerback Andrew Booth and tackle Matt Waletzko are listed as healthy scratches for the game.
On the 49ers’ side, stars Deebo Samuel and George Kittle are set to play, but San Francisco will be without key players Christian McCaffrey, Jauan Jennings, and Brandon Aiyuk. Despite these losses, Dallas knows San Francisco is no team to underestimate.
With both teams adapting to last-minute roster changes, the stage is set for an unpredictable showdown. Fans can expect a high-stakes, high-energy prime-time battle as the Cowboys look to make a statement.
