Dalvin Cook discusses role in Cowboys' running back-by-committee

Four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook may have signed with the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, but he clearly thinks he can contribute to the backfield on the 53-man roster.

Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) warms up before the game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Dalvin Cook signed with the Dallas Cowboys this week and will join the practice squad to start the 2024 NFL season, but he believes he can still contribute to the backfield.

The Cowboys enter the season with Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, and Deuce Vaughn on the 53-man roster. However, Cook still sees a role for himself.

The four-time Pro Bowl running back spoke to ESPN's Todd Archer about his role with the Cowboys and the team's running back-by-committee approach, saying he believes the running back can "push each other" to be better.

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Cook is used to being the bellcow back so it will be an adjustment, but he's ready for it.

"My years in Minnesota it was Dalvin, Dalvin, Dalvin, give him the ball. Now, just a little adjustment," Cook said, according to Archer. "Help everybody and be productive. That's just my mindset.

Jul 31, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. / Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

"I'm going to be ready to go, being around Zeke, I can obviously learn a lot from him. He's older than me. Just soaking up the game, still. Learning from the young guys, too. Just being a part of this group, I feel like we're going to push each other."

The Cowboys have consistently been ranked as having the worst running back room in the NFL, so any help will be welcomed.

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Cook definitely brings experience to the mix, so it will be exciting to see how he performs if given the chance.

The veteran had a rough stint with the New York Jets last season, but being on the practice squad and splitting carries with the committee approach could keep his legs fresh and give him the extra juice he needs to perform later in the season.

Dallas will kick off its 2024 campaign on Sunday, September 8, on the road against the Cleveland Browns. Tom Brady will be making his broadcasting debut for the game on FOX.

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