After spending the first seven weeks of the 2024 NFL season on the practice squad, Dalvin Cook is getting another shot to show he can still perform as a running back in the NFL. He will be activated for Week 8’s “Sunday Night Football” matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

Multiple reports confirm the Cowboys will promote Cook to their 53-man roster for this crucial game. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Cook has excelled in practice and is ready for his debut with Dallas.

Cook joined the Cowboys’ practice squad after a quiet offseason where he remained unsigned. In the 2023 NFL season, the 29-year-old played 16 games – 15 with the New York Jets and one postseason game with the Baltimore Ravens – accumulating 75 carries for 237 yards without scoring a touchdown.

The question now is whether Cook can contribute meaningfully. Despite having the league’s lowest rushing offense, averaging just 77.2 yards per game, it’s uncertain if Cook can help improve those numbers.

Here’s what you need to know about Cook’s potential role with the Cowboys and his prospects in fantasy football for the remainder of the season.

Cowboys RB Depth Chart

In the first seven weeks of the 2024 NFL season, the Cowboys have relied on a running back committee. Below is the hierarchy prior to Cook’s arrival:

• Rico Dowdle
• Ezekiel Elliott
• Hunter Luepke
• Deuce Vaughn

Let’s look at the contributions of each running back in Dallas’ system:

Rico Dowdle

As the most productive back, Dowdle has rushed for 246 yards on 59 carries and has also been effective in the passing game. He’s logged 42.75 percent of the offensive snaps, leading the running back group, and is likely to keep his primary role given his strong performances.

Ezekiel Elliott

Serving as the No. 2 back, Elliott hasn’t matched Dowdle’s efficiency. Averaging only 3 yards per carry compared to Dowdle’s 4.2, he also has the lowest yards per reception on the team at 6. However, he has participated in 32.85 percent of snaps, and if Cook demonstrates more speed and agility than Elliott, he could start taking some of Elliott’s opportunities.

Hunter Luepke

Primarily a fullback, Luepke occasionally plays as the lone back on the field. He’s close to Elliott in snap count and has garnered 11 touches for 105 yards this season. Although he may not see a significant amount of carries, his role will probably stay steady due to his excellent blocking and receiving skills.

Deuce Vaughn

Vaughn has played a mere 5.07 percent of offensive snaps this season, accumulating just 20 yards on seven carries. He has contributed in special teams but is unlikely to see significant action unless circumstances change, especially if the Cowboys opt to keep someone active for special teams when Cook is included.

Dalvin Cook’s Fantasy Prognosis

The crucial concern for fantasy football players considering Cook is his anticipated usage.

Expecting Cook to dominate the workload in Dallas’ running back committee appears unlikely. Last season, he did not exceed 50 percent of the snaps in any game and recorded over 10 touches on only three occasions in 16 games.

It’s expected that the Cowboys will integrate Cook into the rotation, allowing him to compete for touches with Elliott while Dowdle maintains the lead role. However, Cook may be gradually reintroduced as he gets back into NFL shape. Consequently, his potential may be limited, making him a risky, touchdown-dependent option in Week 8.

Nonetheless, taking a chance on Cook could be worthwhile. Since there isn’t a definitive lead back in Dallas, he might seize opportunities from both Elliott and Dowdle as he acclimates. The situation remains fluid, which enhances Cook’s potential.

This might seem unexpected for a running back who averaged just 3.2 yards per carry last season, but consider the example of Kareem Hunt with the Kansas City Chiefs. If Cook can similarly rejuvenate his career, he could emerge as a valuable fantasy asset, surpassing most expectations.