Cowboys Make Big Dalvin Cook Move Ahead of Week 9 Clash vs. Falcons
By Cem Yolbulan
The Dallas Cowboys have been dealing with running back struggles all season. Through the first eight weeks of the season, the Cowboys rank dead last in rushing yards, touchdowns, and yards per carry.
Before their Week 8 matchup against the 49ers, Dallas elevated Dalvin Cook from the practice squad to inject some life into the rushing offense. Cook ended up playing 17 snaps, going for 12 yards on six carries while adding 10 yards in the passing game.
While that performance was less than convincing, the Cowboys are giving the veteran another chance in Week 9. For the Falcons game on Sunday, Dallas is activating Cook once again, per Cowboys reporter Nick Harris.
Cowboys News: Dallas Elevates RB Dalvin Cook for Week 9 vs. Falcons
This comes on the heels of the shocking decision from earlier in the day. It was revealed that the Cowboys didn't take Ezekiel Elliott to Atlanta for disciplinary reasons.
This means that Cook will have an expanded role against the Falcons. He will share RB duties with Rico Dowdle, who was unavailable last week with an illness. Dowdle has been the best rusher in Dallas this season, averaging ten attempts per game and 4.2 yards per carry. He will likely continue to get the lion's share of carries while Cook acts as a change-of-pace back.
After Week 9, Cook will only have one more elevation left before the Cowboys have to make a decision on his future. He has to show more before Dallas can feel comfortable signing him to the active roster.
With the trade deadline right around the corner, fans are hoping that the Cowboys address their RB need. Otherwise, we may see a lot more of Cook in the second half of the season.