The Dallas Cowboys will play without Dalvin Cook on Sunday, partly because a different 29-year-old former Pro Bowl running back has made his return. Although Cook remains on the Cowboys’ practice squad, the team chose not to activate him for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. NFL teams are allowed to elevate practice squad players for up to three games before they must add them to the active roster to keep them available.
Cook, who earned four Pro Bowl selections during his successful run with the Minnesota Vikings from 2017 to 2022, was elevated to the Cowboys’ roster twice in the past two weeks. In his first appearances with Dallas, he totaled 20 yards on eight carries and added one reception for 10 yards.
Ezekiel Elliott’s return likely played a role in the decision to keep Cook off the field on Sunday. Elliott was disciplined by the Cowboys last weekend, staying behind while the team traveled to Atlanta, where they suffered a loss to the Falcons. However, Elliott returned to practice this week and received praise from his coach on Thursday. It is expected that Elliott will serve as the backup behind starter Rico Dowdle when Dallas faces the Eagles in their first game since quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a significant hamstring injury. Cooper Rush will start at quarterback.
Like Cook, Elliott has made multiple Pro Bowls, though both have seen a decline in production in recent years. The two running backs essentially fill the same role in Dallas’ backfield as reliable, veteran options who, at this stage in their careers, struggle to showcase the same explosiveness they once had. The only game this season where Cook and Elliott were both active together was the Oct. 27 loss to the 49ers, which saw Dowdle sidelined due to illness.
Dowdle (4.5 yards per carry) has been more effective this season than both Elliott (3.1) and Cook (2.5), as well as younger back Deuce Vaughn (2.9). Dowdle has started six of the team’s eight games and is expected to be the primary option, regardless of who else is available.
Since Cook was not activated for Sunday’s game, he has one practice squad elevation remaining before the Cowboys would need to consider adding him to the 53-man roster. Dallas chose to use their available practice squad elevations this week on cornerback Josh Butler and wide receiver Jalen Cropper.
