Will Ravens RB Dalvin Cook Be Available vs. Texans?

Newest Baltimore Raven running back Dalvin Cook is on track to play against the Houston Texans.

The Baltimore Ravens will have additional help in the backfield on Saturday when they take on the Houston Texans, with running back Dalvin Cook officially being signed to the 53-man roster. 

A couple weeks ago, the New York Jets and Cook agreed to mutually part ways after the veteran running back signed a one-year, $7 million contract with them back in August. After nobody claimed him on waivers, he joined the Ravens' practice squad on Jan. 5 but did not intend on playing in their Week 18 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dalvin Cook started his season with the New York Jets but was waived and joined the Baltimore Ravens.  / USA Today Sports

Instead, Cook focused on getting ready and preparing for Baltimore's Divisional round game, since it had already clinched the one seed and a first-round bye at that point in the season. Now, with a matchup against the Texans steadily approaching, Cook is on the active roster and will have a chance to contribute and move the Ravens one win closer to reaching the Super Bowl. 

Before his time in New York, Cook spent six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings where he was one of the more dynamic running backs in the league. He suffered a few injuries in Minnesota that hampered his production, but was still able to earn four Pro Bowl nods in his six seasons there. 

Cook has only played in the playoffs twice, appearing in three postseason games for the Vikings. In total, he has recorded 52 playoff carries for 172 yards and two rushing touchdowns while also catching 15 passes for 54 yards and another two receiving touchdowns. 

Did Harbaugh Predict Matchup With Texans?

Baltimore will be hosting Houston at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. with a trip to the NFC Championship on the line. The two teams matched up in Week 1, with the Ravens winning 25-9, but Cook was not a part of the team then.