The Baltimore Ravens have made a strategic move ahead of the playoffs, signing former Jets running back Dalvin Cook to their practice squad. This addition aims to fortify the team’s backfield as they gear up for the postseason.
The Baltimore Ravens have bolstered their backfield by signing running back Dalvin Cook to their practice squad. Cook, 28, arrived following his release from the New York Jets and went unclaimed on waivers, confirming his move to the Ravens, according to sources.
Baltimore, holding the AFC’s top seed and enjoying a playoff bye, aims to assess the four-time Pro Bowler’s potential impact in the next two weeks before their divisional round game later this month.
Despite possessing the league’s top rushing attack, injuries have plagued Baltimore’s backfield this season. The loss of J.K. Dobbins in the opener and rookie Keaton Mitchell in Week 15 has strained their running game.
Gus Edwards, the current lead rusher for the Ravens, has scored 13 touchdowns but struggled to generate substantial yardage in recent games, averaging 40.6 yards per game over the last seven matches.
The Ravens’ running back lineup, featuring Justice Hill and Melvin Gordon, has faced challenges. Lamar Jackson, the quarterback, leads the team in rushing with 821 yards this season, overshadowing the backfield’s performance.
Cook’s departure from the Jets was amicable, with a mutual agreement leading to his release. His playing time dwindled, culminating in a game against Cleveland where he remained suited up but didn’t take a snap.
During his 15-game stint with the Jets, Cook managed only 67 carries for 214 yards, below his career average. His reduced role marked a departure from expectations after signing a one-year, $7 million deal with the Jets, where he aimed to play alongside Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a season-ending injury early in the campaign.
With six seasons with the Vikings under his belt, Cook brings a wealth of experience, accumulating 6,207 yards and 47 rushing touchdowns in his career. His addition to the Ravens’ practice squad could prove pivotal as the team gears up for playoff contention.
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