The Dallas Cowboys may consider bolstering their running back depth as they gear up for the playoffs. The team recently placed rookie RB Deuce Vaughn on injured reserve, a move reported by Jon Machota of The Athletic.
In response, they activated defensive lineman Viliami Fehoko from injured reserve to fill Vaughn’s roster spot.
Vaughn, a former Kansas State running back, had managed 80 scrimmage yards on 30 touches across seven games this season, and he also contributed on punt return duties.
With Vaughn sidelined, the Cowboys now have just two healthy running backs on their 53-man roster: Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle. Given this situation, Dallas is contemplating the possibility of signing free-agent running back Dalvin Cook, who was released by the New York Jets earlier in the week.
Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported that the Cowboys are indeed weighing the option of adding Cook to their roster.
Cook’s performance this season with the Jets has been underwhelming, as he accumulated just 214 yards on 67 carries, a departure from the dynamic running back we witnessed during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings.
When asked about the team’s interest in Cook during his press conference, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy expressed his admiration for Cook, as noted by David Moore of the Dallas Morning News.
While Cook may not be expected to serve as a game-changing presence, he could provide a valuable complement to Tony Pollard. Pollard, who has a chance to reach the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the second consecutive season, has faced challenges as the Cowboys’ primary running back.
Dalvin Cook’s addition could infuse experience, explosiveness, and the ability to run effectively between the tackles into the Cowboys’ backfield.
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