Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy makes feelings clear on getting Dalvin Cook involved
Dalvin Cook is looking to restore his career after struggling with the New York Jets last season. He has arrived in Texas in the hopes of finding job with the Cowboys. When asked about the former Vikings running back, Mike McCarthy addressed how much he saw Cook as a part of the offense.
Per Athletic reporter Jon Machota on Twitter/X on October 4, McCarthy explained that he was "moving forward," but wouldn't see additional work in the short-term.
"He took some reps yesterday in the team periods, so we're definitely moving him forward," McCarthy said. But the other part of it, too, is I think Rico (Dowdle) and (Ezekiel Elliott) they haven't been given a lot of opportunities too."
"So it isn't like they haven't done anything to warrant their opportunities decreasing right now. It's a great place to be. It gives us excellent depth. That's a hell of a situation to be in," he added.
Of course, fans may take umbrage with the last part of the statement. The Cowboys rank dead last in average rushing yards per game. McCarthy's endorsement of the depth of the position is understandable. In one set of backups, the team has Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook.
Mike McCarthy's rushing troubles leave Dak Prescott full plate in primetime against Steelers
With the Cowboys seemingly on deck to put forth a league-trailing rushing performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dak Prescott may have a lot of work to do. However, the matchup isn't ideal for the quarterback. The Steelers have the ninth-best passing defense in the NFL heading into Week 5.
They also have the third-best rushing defense, meaning Prescott may not get much help from the backfield at all. With wide receiver Brandin Cooks expected to miss the game, it may fall purely on Prescott and Lamb to stare down the 3-1 Steelers.
Of course, the one aspect of the game working in their favor is facing Justin Fields in primetime, who still has to prove that his 3-1 start to the season is legitimate. After losing last week, could the lights be too bright for the quarterback to pull out a win?