Former Vikings Star Dalvin Cook Gets His Chance with the Dallas Cowboys
The Minnesota Vikings had a rough outing on Thursday Night Football. Head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense couldn’t gain any traction beyond the initial drives, and the loss was compounded by a concerning injury to left tackle Christian Darrisaw. While the Vikings get a break from action on Sunday, they’ll have a chance to watch their former teammate, Dalvin Cook, potentially make an impact for the Dallas Cowboys.
Cook Returns to the Field in Cowboys Colors
After parting ways with Dalvin Cook last season to make way for Alexander Mattison, the Vikings sought a fresh approach at running back. However, both parties seemed to struggle: Mattison has had a rocky season in Minnesota, while Cook’s stint with the New York Jets didn’t yield the expected results. Now, after starting the season on the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, Cook is set to be activated for Sunday’s game in an effort to revitalize the Cowboys’ struggling run game.
Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures in Dallas
The Cowboys are in dire need of a productive ground game. Currently ranked at the bottom of the league in rushing, Dallas has turned to Cook to provide a spark. Longtime Cowboy Ezekiel Elliott, back with the team for depth, is barely scraping by with an average of three yards per carry and just one touchdown across six games. Starting back Rico Dowdle has been slightly better, averaging 4.2 yards per carry, but the Cowboys’ running attack still lacks consistency. Cook, despite his underwhelming 3.2 yards per carry last year with the Jets and a brief, quiet playoff appearance with the Ravens, could represent a last-ditch hope.
A Missed Opportunity with Derrick Henry?
There was buzz this offseason that Dallas might sign Derrick Henry to bolster their backfield. Although Henry’s age, at 30, posed a risk, his performances this season have shown him to be one of the league’s top backs. Had the Cowboys made that move, Cook likely wouldn’t have been on their radar. But now, with limited options and a desire to revive their rushing game, Dallas is banking on Cook’s ability to channel some of his former star power.
Can Cook Recapture His Form?
As Cook suits up for America’s Team, he’ll be looking to prove there’s still some juice left in the tank. Although it may be a long shot, the Cowboys are hoping Cook can defy the odds and reinvigorate a depleted rushing offense.
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