The Dallas Cowboys (3-3) are contemplating a strategic shift in Week 8 as they strive to revive their struggling rushing offense. With the team sitting at the bottom of the league in rushing yards per game, they may elevate four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook from the practice squad for a potential debut against the San Francisco 49ers.
Currently, the Cowboys average a mere 77.2 rushing yards per game, marking their worst performance since 1989, the year Jerry Jones took ownership and the Cowboys began a new era with Troy Aikman. During that challenging season, Dallas managed just one victory, finishing with a dismal 1-15 record.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy expressed optimism about Cook’s readiness to contribute. “I think the biggest thing for us is we’re taking the full week. Dalvin is ready [to play]. 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],” McCarthy stated during a conference call on Friday.
At 29 years old, Cook missed all of training camp, opting to train in Houston before signing with Dallas on August 29. McCarthy’s mention of Cook’s readiness refers to his grasp of the nonverbal cues essential for executing the offensive scheme at the line of scrimmage.
| Cowboys Rush Offense This Season | NFL rank | |
|---|---|---|
| Rush attempt/game | 22.2 | 30th |
| Rush yards/game | 77.2 | Last |
| Rush yards/attempt | 3.5 | Last |
| Yards before contact/rush | 1.05 | 29th |
| Yards after contact/rush | 2.44 | 29th |
| Tackles avoided on rushes | 20 | T-30th |
| First downs/rush | 22.6% | 25th |
| Rush TD | 2 | Last |
| Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade | 61.8 | 21st |
Cook has been a force in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl selections in four of the last five seasons and rushing for over 1,135 yards in each of those campaigns from 2019 to 2022. However, his 2023 season with the New York Jets saw a dip in production, where he managed just 214 rushing yards on 67 carries (3.2 yards per carry), the lowest of his career. His time with the Jets included adapting to a changing offensive line and a carousel of quarterbacks.
With Dallas grappling to end a three-game losing streak, the addition of Cook could provide a much-needed boost. The Cowboys have faced the 49ers in critical matchups over the last two seasons, including playoff exits, and suffered a tough 42-10 loss at San Francisco on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 5 last year.
As the Cowboys prepare for their showdown with the 49ers, the question remains: Will Dalvin Cook be the game-changer they desperately need? The answer could hinge on whether he can quickly integrate into an offense in dire need of a spark.
