Dalvin Cook's Delayed Arrival to Jets

Pro Bowl running back won't practice for at least one week

Dalvin Cook's on-field tenure with the New York Jets won't begin immediately.

The four-time Pro Bowl running back, who agreed to a one-year contract with Gang Green yesterday, is currently expecting a newborn.

"I know it's gonna be at least a week," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh following Tuesday's practice in Florham Park. "So, I know he's having a baby, which we're all excited for him on. It's just a matter of getting on the phone with him today and getting him in here and having those conversations to see where he's at."

Cook, who turned 28 years old on August 10, underwent offseason shoulder surgery to reportedly fix a labrum issue. The Minnesota Vikings released the workhorse on June 9 after his fourth consecutive 1,100-yard rushing campaign.

The Vikings' former second-round draft pick made an official free-agent visit to Florham Park for an open practice day on July 30, but he didn't sign with the Green & White until more than two weeks later.

"I think it was more from their camp, just trying to cross their Ts, dot their Is and go through their process in making the best decision for their family as possible," said Saleh when asked about what led to the eventual agreement.

The idea of Cook joining the Jets' backfield has generated excitement for the team's third-year head coach.

"Obviously, very excited to add a really, really good football player to this team. He adds another dynamic to this group that anybody would be excited about," said Saleh.

Cook started all 17 regular season games for Minnesota in 2022, totaling 1,468 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. He averages 4.7 yards per carry for his career and has made 34+ receptions each of the past five seasons.

"He's not a trick back, either," said Saleh. "You can turn around hand him the ball and he can run downhill. He's done it for a long time."

Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett went against Cook twice per season for three years while coaching with the Green Bay Packers.

"It’s going to make everybody better. He’s a guy that has done a lot in his career and we look forward to what he can bring to our team," said Hackett on Tuesday.

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