Mike McCarthy and Jerry Jones are all in on playing veteran RB Dalvin Cook against the 49ers to secure a statement win.
Dalvin Cook (Image via IMAGO)
Dalvin Cook can finally put the ‘Dal’ in the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran running back hasn’t played since the playoffs last season with the Baltimore Ravens, but according to head coach Mike McCarthy, he is ready to shine.
McCarthy affirmed that Cook is available for the upcoming fixture against the 49ers. But why did it take the Cowboys so long to give Cook a chance? They have been horrible on the ground despite all-pro rusher Ezekiel Elliott’s presence on the roster. The Cowboys rank last in both rushing yards (77.2) and attempts (3.5) per game, 30th in rushing attempts, and 29th yards after rush and attempt.
I think the biggest thing for us is we’re taking the full week. Dalvin [Cook] is ready. I really like the work that he’s putting in… I think he’s definitely in a position to [play for the Cowboys].
Mike McCarthy said as per Nick Harris of Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Rico Dowdle is the Cowboys leading rusher with 59 carries for 246 yards and zero scores. Dowdle is too inexperienced to be the starting running back for the Cowboys, and for some reason, McCarthy doesn’t have much faith in Ezekiel Elliott despite bringing him back from New England.
Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy on if RB Dalvin Cook will be activated for the game against San Francisco:
“Dalvin is ready. I really like the work he’s putting in.” Later added that “he’s in position to [play].”#DallasCowboys
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) October 25, 2024
With 11 games left in the season, it seems they had no other option but to elevate Dalvin Cook to the active roster, and now he will play in the 49ers game. Yet, it’s unclear whether he will take the majority of the snaps or share them equally with the other two.
Jerry Jones hints at Dalvin Cook’s debut for the Cowboys
More often than not, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has come under fire for not making use of the off-season. On top of that, he refused to pay Derrick Henry the salary he wanted, and now he’s the leading rusher in 2024. Jones eventually signed Cook before the season began.
The four-time Pro Bowler has been on the practice squad ever since.
Dalvin’s been doing his work week in and week out like the professional he is. I know one of the reasons we signed him is because [Mike] Zimmer had him in Minnesota… Mike [McCarthy] and Brian [Schottenheimer] have been talking to us about it’s about time for him to get his opportunity.
Jerry Jones said during his routine appearance on GBag Nation on 105.3 The Fan
Sounding more and more like Cowboys veteran RB Dalvin Cook will get a chance to play Sunday night at San Francisco.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones on @1053thefan said Cook “has been doing the job and doing his work week in and week out like the professional he is.”
“Mike (McCarthy)…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 25, 2024
The Cowboys giving Cook a chance shows the urgency that had been lacking early on. Improving the rushing game would take some of the pressure off Dak Prescott.
Prescott is among the leaders in passing yards with 1602 yards, but he has also thrown 6 picks compared to 8 touchdowns. All eyes are on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
