The Dallas Cowboys kicked off the NFL season with a bang, overpowering the Cleveland Browns in a Week 1 showdown that showcased their potential despite a tumultuous offseason. While the team’s impressive victory was a breath of fresh air, the offseason drama, including holdouts, contract disputes, and a quiet free agency period, set the stage for a major storyline: the running back position.
Gone is Tony Pollard, who departed via free agency, and in his place is the veteran Ezekiel Elliott, initially poised to take on the lead role. However, the narrative took a dramatic turn when the Cowboys signed former star Dalvin Cook on August 28. Cook, a four-time Pro Bowler with a resume brimming with accolades, joined the practice squad and has since been a focal point of speculation regarding his debut.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has been effusive in his praise for Cook’s integration into the team. “I’m glad he’s here,” McCarthy told Lonstarlive.com. “Impressive. Phenomenal feet. I’ve had a chance to watch him a lot. He looks really good. He really fits into the room very well.” Despite this glowing assessment, McCarthy suggested that Cook’s debut might not come immediately. “If you look at his time frame and how much time he’s been here, I think the biggest thing is hopefully we can get a full week’s work this week and next week. That’s only going to help the guys that got here late,” he added.
With Week 2’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints on the horizon, it seems unlikely that Cook will be activated in time. However, Week 3 presents an intriguing opportunity. The Cowboys are set to face the Baltimore Ravens—a team Cook briefly joined last season for the playoffs after being released by the Jets. This timing could be perfect for Cook’s debut and might even add a layer of personal motivation against his former suitors.
The need for Cook’s presence became more apparent following Dallas’s Week 1 performance. While the Cowboys’ offense looked sharp overall, the running game struggled to make a significant impact. Elliott managed a modest 40 yards on 10 carries, and the backups, Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn, combined for just 30 yards on 9 carries. Receiver CeeDee Lamb led the team in rushing yards with three carries for 25 yards—a clear indication that the backfield could use a boost.
Cook, just a year removed from a four-season stretch with the Vikings where he consistently rushed for over 1,100 yards annually, is prepared for a new role. “My years in Minnesota it was Dalvin, Dalvin, Dalvin, give him the ball. Now, just a little adjustment,” Cook said via ESPN. “Help everybody and be productive. That’s just my mindset. I’m going to be ready to go, being around Zeke, I can obviously learn a lot from him. He’s older than me. Just soaking up the game, still. Learning from the young guys, too. Just being a part of this group, I feel like we’re going to push each other.”
As the Cowboys navigate through the early part of the season, the integration of Dalvin Cook could be a game-changer. The team will need to find its rhythm and balance in the backfield, and Cook’s arrival could be the key to unlocking a more dynamic and effective rushing attack. Keep an eye on Week 3—Cook’s debut could be the catalyst for the Cowboys as they look to build on their strong start and solidify their standing in the NFC.
