Former Vikings Pro Bowler to make 2024 debut vs. 49ers on Sunday

Dalvin Cook
Dalvin Cook / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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It's nice when a former Minnesota Vikings player can get an opportunity to show off their skills. Those opportunities for former purple and gold running back Dalvin Cook haven't helped him reestablish himself as a valued contributor.

Cook was a free agent until Aug. 28 when he joined the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys. Since then, he worked with that unit and continued grinding, hoping that another chance to play would come his way.

Former Vikings Pro Bowler to make 2024 debut vs. 49ers on Sunday

Tom Pelissero on X recently shared that Dalvin Cook is expected to be elevated from the practice squad to the 53-man roster of the Cowboys for Dallas' Week 8 game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Pelissero also reports that Cook has been "tearing it up" in practice and will get his first game action in prime time. Vikings fans know that the former second-round pick of Minnesota in 2017 can be a dynamic player and his four seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards is evidence that he has the potential to make a difference in a game.

Last season, Cook split time between the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens, but only got 67 carries with the Jets and ran the ball eight times in the Ravens' playoff win over the Houston Texans but did not reach the end zone.

The Vikings made the tough decision to move on from the former Florida State running back after the 2022 season. That experiment didn't go well for the Vikings, as new starter Alexander Mattison struggled to be effective in his new role.

It will be interesting to see what kind of role the Cowboys have for Cook. Dallas has a big running back room where Rico Dowdle has emerged as a big contributor while Ezekiel Elliot and Deuce Vaughn have seen their volume diminish.

Don't be surprised if Sunday Night Football has Dalvin Cook and Rico Dowdle as a tandem rushing attack and Elliot is sidelined or even inactive for the game. Elliott has been almost a non-factor for the Cowboys this year, carrying the ball 38 times for 115 yards and one touchdown in six games while adding six catches for 36 yards.

Dallas is attempting to find its identity on offense and Ezekiel Elliot may not be a part of that. However, former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook will have an opportunity to make his case for an offensive role on Sunday.

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