Cowboys RB depth chart: How Dalvin Cook signing impacts Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Dallas backfield

The Cowboys lost depth in the running back department when five-year veteran Tony Pollard left in March, signing with the Tennessee Titans. Dallas brought Ezekiel Elliot back on a one-year deal in late April, bolstering the RB room, at least in name value, but running backs coach Jeff Blasko is clearly looking for more support.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero revealed Monday that Dalvin Cook was set to visit the Cowboys. The four-time Pro Bowler didn't play a significant role on the Jets' or Ravens' rosters this past year, but he logged several successful seasons in Minnesota beforehand. 

Cook's drop-off last year due to a shoulder injury and his age was certainly a red flag, but Dallas was still comfortable enough to sign him to the team's practice squad, per ESPN's Todd Archer.

Cook was one of the league's best backs in his prime and could be a nice rotational piece if he can remain healthy and recapture any of his former glory.

Here's everything to know about the Cowboys running back depth chart, including how carries could be divided heading into the season.

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Cowboys RB depth chart

Currently, Elliot is expected to be the Cowboys starting running back. That said, Cook could eventually slot into the second-string spot if he is healthy. Rico Dowdle was largely non-descript in a reserve role last season, posting 361 yards, two TDs, and 4.1 yards per carry on 89 carries, but he'll likely split carries with Elliott early in the season.

Cook will likely need to gradually work his way up Dallas' four-man depth chart. As a result, he will begin the season on the Cowboys' practice squad as he works his way into game shape — though ESPN reports Cook can play in Week 1 if needed.

Elliott will get every chance to lead the team in carries, but at 29, he's likely better off splitting touches as he did in New England last year. The same is true for Cook, who looked like he had even less in the tank than Zeke last season. 

Here's a look at the team's current depth chart as Week 1 looms. 

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How old is Dalvin Cook?

Cook turned 29 on Aug. 10. He's just about the age when NFL running backs typically start aging out, with players in the position most often peaking around the age of 24. Age and injury history will play a part in Cook's eligibility on any roster for this upcoming season.

The running back was signed by the Ravens in late January heading into their divisional playoff game. Cook had spent two weeks on the team's practice squad before appearing in the postseason matchup against Houston, finishing with eight carries for 23 yards.

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Dalvin Cook stats

With several Pro Bowl appearances under his belt, Cook has seen better days than his past season with the Jets. He suffered a dislocated shoulder in September 2022 that required surgery eventually, and the following season with New York, he was unable to get back to his previous glory from his time with Minnesota.

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Here's a look at his last two seasons in the league.