Dalvin Cook was signed by the Cowboys as a veteran presence on the practice squad during the offseason, but his role remained unclear throughout the season. He was elevated to the active roster twice, yet the reasons for his signing and limited involvement raised questions about the team's strategy and depth at the running back position. Cook's presence added to the complexity of Elliott's situation, as the Cowboys struggled to find a consistent running game.

Dalvin Cook has been utilized sparingly in the Cowboys' running back rotation, with only eight carries in the first ten weeks of the season. His limited involvement reflects the team's struggles to establish a consistent ground game early in the season. However, since Dowdle was named the lead back, Cook's role has diminished further, highlighting the shift in strategy and the emergence of Dowdle as the primary offensive weapon in the backfield.

Dalvin Cook was referenced in the context of a trick play call that ended in a strip-sack during a previous game against the Lions. O'Connell defended the decision, stating that they had practiced the play extensively and trusted the players to execute it effectively, illustrating the team's reliance on trick plays despite their mixed results this season.

Dalvin Cook has not been activated from the practice squad for two consecutive weeks, indicating a lack of confidence in his current role with the Cowboys. His absence has allowed Rico Dowdle to take on the lead back responsibilities, although the team has shifted to more passing situations, which has limited Dowdle's effectiveness. Once Cook is healthy, he is expected to reclaim his role in the passing game, potentially impacting Dowdle's workload and the overall running back rotation.

Dalvin Cook has seen limited action this season with only eight carries. As a late-career addition to the Cowboys' running back rotation, he has not made a significant impact, especially as the team has struggled to establish a consistent ground game. With the emergence of Rico Dowdle as the lead back, Cook's role appears diminished, highlighting the team's shift towards a more defined running strategy.