Cowboys RB Cook improving in practice, progressing toward activation

Everyone’s favorite running back, Dalvin Cook, is progressing toward possibly being lifted off the Cowboys’ practice squad.

Rico Dowdle remains the starter, with Deuce Vaughn and Ezekiel Elliott as backups. But Cook’s improving practices last weeks is considered positive.

Cowboys-49ers Expert Predictions: Who Can Keep Their Heads Above Water Longer?

“Dalvin is ready,” Mike McCarthy said. “I really like the work he does. I think it has clearly crossed the threshold of communication and understanding, and most importantly I think non-verbal, visual communication, which is the bottom line. I think he’s definitely in a position to do that.”

With Cook moving forward in practice, that doesn’t mean he’ll be activated. The Cowboys can’t afford to have two running backs, in this case Elliott and Cook, on the game day roster and not play special teams. If Cook is going to play, it looks like Elliott could be inactive.

The Cowboys are last in the NFL in rushing yards (463) and yards per game (77.2), so any boost they can get would be welcome.

“The biggest thing is when you’re working with different running backs, with Rico and Zeke and so on, just timing it, timing it with the run blocking,” McCarthy said. “I thought the communication was a lot better up front, the execution, the line work is always a huge barometer for me and we actually added more run game opportunities to our line work and I thought that was beneficial.”