Dalvin Cookis back in theNFL spotlight, this time landing a spot on the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad, raising eyebrows across the league. The 29-year-old running back, known for his explosive speed and game-changing plays, is now expected to share the field with another seasoned veteran, Ezekiel Elliott. This unexpected move has set the stage for what could be a redemption arc for Cook, who’s coming off a rocky season with the New York Jets.

Last year, Cook inked a $7 million deal with the Jets, but his time in New York was anything but smooth. Despite the high expectations, Cook struggled to find his rhythm and was eventually cut before the playoffs. However, he did make a brief appearance in the postseason, suiting up for the Baltimore Ravens for one game, trying to salvage what was left of a disappointing year.

So, what went wrong? Cook pointed the finger at Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury, which happened just four plays into the Jets’ season. In a candid interview with ESPN, Cook didn’t hold back, stating that the Jets were caught flat-footed after Rodgers went down.“When Aaron went down on Play 4, everything was just a little bit different,” Cook confessed. “There wasn’t any emergency plan… It was just kind of like, ‘What do we do?'”

Despite suiting up for 15 games, Cook’s numbers told the story of a season to forget. He managed just 214 rushing yards on 67 carries, averaging a mere 3.2 yards per attempt. Now, with the Cowboys’ offensive line and a healthy Dak Prescott under center, Cook is hoping to reignite his career in Dallas.

Dallas bets on Dalvin Cook: Modest contract, big expectations

The Cowboys’ decision to sign Cook comes with a modest financial commitment. As part of the practice squad, Cook is expected to earn between $277k and $358k for the upcoming season, a far cry from his previous contract but potentially a stepping stone to a bigger role.

Dallas’s running back depth chart is now a hot topic of debate. With Ezekiel Elliott leading the pack, followed by Rico Dowdle and rookie Deuce Vaughn, Cook’s presence adds a layer of intrigue. The team notably lost Tony Pollard in free agency and hasn’t found a solid replacement, making Cook’s addition all the more critical.

As the Cowboys come off another 12-win season, there’s skepticism about whether they can maintain their dominance in the NFC East. The lackluster offseason, combined with the uncertainty surrounding Dak Prescott’s future, has left many wondering if this is the year the Cowboys’ Super Bowl dreams finally unravel.