After an extended stint on the practice squad, Dalvin Cook is ready to make his Cowboys debut.
The Dallas running back is being elevated to the active roster for Sunday's game versus the San Francisco 49ers, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported.
Cook has been on the practice squad since being signed by the team in August, with the expectation always being that he'd eventually join his teammates after a ramp-up period.
His addition comes at a moment when the Cowboys are in dire need of a spark in the ground game. The group led by Rico Dowdle (246 yards) and Ezekiel Elliott (115 yards) has not had much success in establishing the run so far, ranking last in the NFL in yards per game with 77.2 and in rushing touchdowns (2).
Cook's elevation will be expected to help address some of those shortcomings, with the four-time Pro Bowler looking to return to past form after a frustrating 2023 season.
Cook had earned his Pro Bowl nods in four consecutive years from 2019 to 2022, recording at least 1,100 yards in each campaign. But after joining the Jets last season Cook's production dropped off significantly, as he averaged fewer than six touches per game and finished the regular season with 214 rushing yards, no touchdowns and a career-low 3.2 yards per carry. After a quick signing with the Ravens for the playoffs Cook was back on the market, eventually landing in Dallas this offseason.
Now, Cook will get his shot, hoping a good performance can not only jumpstart the team's stagnant run game, but also earn him a more permanent spot on the active roster going forward.
The Cowboys and 49ers kick off on Sunday night at 8:20 p.m. ET.
