The Dallas Cowboys could look to add another running back to their 53-man roster ahead of the playoffs. The team placed rookie RB Deuce Vaughn on injured reserve Wednesday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic.
The Cowboys have placed RB Deuce Vaughn on injured reserve. DL Viliami Fehoko has been activated from IR
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 3, 2024
Cowboys News: Dallas Considers Adding Dalvin Cook
In a corresponding move, the Cowboys replaced Vaughn’s roster spot with defensive lineman Viliami Fehoko, who was activated from injured reserve. The former Kansas State running back had 80 scrimmage yards on 30 touches in seven games this season. Vaughn also saw some time on punt return duties this season.
With Vaughn on injured reserve, the only two healthy running backs on the 53-man roster are Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle. Therefore, Dallas should kick the tires on free-agent RB Dalvin Cook, who was released on Tuesday by the New York Jets.
Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported Wednesday afternoon that the Cowboys, in fact, will consider potentially adding Cook.
Fast Update: My understanding is that the Dallas #Cowboys will also consider potentially adding Dalvin Cook. Still evaluating.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 3, 2024
We’ll see where other interest could also develop… https://t.co/0VQ0iFPs83
Cook didn’t do much of anything this season with the Jets, as he had 214 yards on 67 carries, which is a far cry from the running back we saw with the Minnesota Vikings over the past few seasons.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was asked about the team's interest in Cook at his press conference on Wednesday. McCarthy said he has a tremendous respect for Cook, per David Moore of the Dallas Morning News.
“Those are really questions you’re always visiting. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him.”
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) January 3, 2024
_ Mike McCarthy when asked if the team has an interest in RB Dalvin Cook. pic.twitter.com/kYDcXiyMXV
If the Cowboys were to sign Cook, fans shouldn’t expect him to be a game-breaker, but he could be the perfect complement to Tony Pollard.
Pollard has a chance to rush for 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season on Sunday, but it hasn’t been easy as the Cowboys’ lead running back. Cook would give them a veteran in the backfield with some explosiveness and an ability to run in between the tackles.
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