Dalvin Cook

Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy said of Dalvin Cook, “He took some reps yesterday in the team periods, so we’re definitely moving him forward.”

Whether or not this means Cook will be elevated for Week 5’s matchup against the Steelers is to be determined, but it sounds like the Cowboys are ready to explore other internal options at running back. McCarthy also noted that Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott “haven’t been given a lot of opportunities” and “haven’t done anything to warrant their opportunities decreasing right now.” Both Dowdle and Elliott are averaging less than 4.0 YPC on the season, and its Dowdle who is currently leading the team in rushing yards (134). Cook averaged 3.2 YPC with the Jets last season and has long been trending toward washing out in the league. That he wasn’t able to be elevated to the Cowboys’ 53-man roster prior to this is somewhat concerning about where he’s at now as a player. We’ll see if he ends up taking in-game touches soon, but it sounds like Cook is slowly working his way into the Cowboys’ backfield rotation.