Dalvin Cook has been a key difference-maker for much of his NFL career, but the veteran running back saw sparse playing time throughout the 2023 season.
The Baltimore Ravens hope Cook can recapture some of his past form after elevating him to the team’s active roster on Thursday ahead of their playoff game Saturday against the Houston Texans.
Why Did the Baltimore Ravens Ink Dalvin Cook to a Deal?
Cook’s season has been decidedly less than he and the New York Jets hoped it would be when the franchise signed him to a one-year contract worth $7 million before the start of the season.
Cook provided some depth alongside Breece Hall but never came close to the production he delivered in four straight 1,000-yard seasons to end his time with the Minnesota Vikings. He appeared in 15 games for the Jets, including one start, tallying just 67 carries for 214 yards and no touchdowns on the year.
Cook was released by the Jets on Jan. 3, 2024, before signing with the Ravens’ practice squad last week. He was then signed to the active roster Thursday, signaling he could be a factor in Saturday’s playoff game.
“We view Dalvin Cook as a very valuable or potentially valuable weapon on our offense,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said last week. “Dalvin Cook is a high-pedigree player — highly decorated player — and he still has talent and ability, and he’s smart.
“He’s in great shape, he’s in football shape. He’s been playing football. I think he’s going to be a valuable part of our team and the playoffs here.”
Baltimore will hope Cook recaptures some of his Pro Bowl-level form or at the very least be a serviceable second option at RB alongside veteran Gus Edwards, who has led the team’s rushing efforts throughout the season. Edwards finished the regular season with 198 carries for 810 yards and 13 touchdowns in 16 appearances.
However, Baltimore has not necessarily had a consistent second option behind Edwards, though Lamar Jackson leads the team in rushing yards as a significant factor on the ground.
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Keaton Mitchell had some strong moments before being placed on injured reserve, while Justice Hill has also been solid with 84 carries for 387 yards and three scores.
Melvin Gordon III had also seen sparse action in four games before being waived Thursday as Cook was elevated in a corresponding move.
Baltimore hopes Cook can have more of an impact than those other options behind Edwards, though time will tell how much the team needs from Cook depending on how its game with the Texans unfolds. He could be a key option moving forward in the playoff run as well if the Ravens, one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl, advance as expected.
Cook is not far removed from rushing for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2022 season, which marked his fourth straight year earning a Pro Bowl nod.
Recapturing some of that form in Baltimore could help Cook rebuild his reputation around the league and perhaps find a new home for 2024, whether with the Ravens or elsewhere.
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