As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for an important NFC East showdown against the New York Giants on Thursday night, all attention is on the backfield situation. With both teams at 1-2, the pressure is on, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently shared a significant update about one of their latest signings, Dalvin Cook. Unfortunately for fans eager to see the star running back play, the news may be disappointing. Cook, who joined the Cowboys’ practice squad on August 28, has not played in a game yet as he works on learning the playbook and developing rapport with the team.
During his weekly radio segment on 105.3 The FAN, Jerry Jones suggested that Cook is unlikely to play on Thursday, stating, “I don’t expect him to play,” which dispels any hopes that the former Minnesota Vikings star would make his debut against the Giants. Cook’s move to Dallas created a buzz due to his impressive track record, making him one of the most sought-after free agents in the league. Last season, he played for the New York Jets, tallying 214 yards on 67 carries, but he couldn’t score any touchdowns. This performance was a sharp contrast to his career in Minnesota, where he registered four seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards and established himself as one of the NFL’s top running backs. His peak came in 2020 when he rushed for 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns, proving to be a game-changer.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on @1053thefan said he doesn’t expect RB Dalvin Cook to play Thursday night against the Giants
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 24, 2024
Despite the excitement surrounding him, Cook’s delayed debut means the Cowboys will continue to depend on their established running backs for now. Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle will once again bear the brunt of the rushing duties. Elliott, a former rushing champion, has gotten off to a sluggish start this season with 62 yards on 19 carries, while Dowdle has shown glimpses of promise, accumulating 88 yards on 23 carries. For the Cowboys, Thursday night’s game is crucial. A victory would bring them back to a .500 record, whereas a loss could put them in a tough early-season position. With Cook still sidelined, the focus shifts to Elliott and Dowdle to spearhead the rushing game in what is expected to be a hard-fought divisional clash. Similarly, the 1-2 New York Giants are facing their own challenges and are eager to turn their season around. As both teams vie for greater standing in the division, the outcome of this matchup could have significant playoff implications in the future.
The Cowboys vs. Giants matchup is set to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video. Veteran announcer Al Michaels, joined by Kirk Herbstreit, will provide commentary for what promises to be an exciting game. Although Dalvin Cook’s absence is significant, the Cowboys will rely on their current players to perform in his stead. As Cowboys fans anticipate Cook’s debut, patience may be essential. For now, the team’s backfield is in the capable hands of Elliott and Dowdle. However, as the season intensifies, it’s only a matter of time before Cook makes an impact on a team with Super Bowl ambitions. Fans seeking updates on Dalvin Cook’s status and everything related to the Dallas Cowboys should keep an eye on team news and social media channels throughout the season.
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