On Thursday, the Ravens made a significant move by signing running back Dalvin Cook to their practice squad, as confirmed by a reliable source. This acquisition is poised to strengthen Baltimore’s backfield as they enter the playoffs.
Dalvin Cook, 28, cleared waivers after being released by the New York Jets on Tuesday. His agency had informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Cook was set to join the Ravens following his unclaimed status on waivers.
With a remarkable 13-3 record, securing the AFC’s top seed and earning a first-round bye, the Ravens now have the opportunity to assess the capabilities of the four-time Pro Bowl running back in the two weeks leading up to the divisional round game scheduled for either January 20 or 21.
Despite boasting the NFL’s leading rushing attack, Baltimore has faced challenges in the backfield due to injuries. The season opener saw featured back J.K. Dobbins sidelined with a season-ending Achilles injury, and in Week 15, explosive rookie Keaton Mitchell suffered a similar fate with a season-ending knee injury. Cook’s addition could provide valuable depth and support as the Ravens navigate the postseason.
Gus Edwards, Baltimore’s current No. 1 back, has scored 13 touchdowns, but he has struggled to produce big plays. He has averaged 40.6 yards per game rushing and 3.6 yards per carry over his past seven games. a significant move
The Ravens’ running back lineup on their 53-man roster currently features Justice Hill and Melvin Gordon, a seasoned nine-year veteran with 19 carries for 63 yards (averaging 3.3 yards) in limited game time.
Notably, quarterback Lamar Jackson has been the Ravens’ leading rusher, accumulating an impressive 821 yards on the ground. In six games this season, Jackson has outpaced all other Baltimore rushers. Throughout the season, only one running back, Mitchell, managed to surpass 80 yards in a single game, achieving 138 yards in Week 9.
Dalvin Cook’s departure from the Jets was a mutually agreed-upon decision, according to a source close to ESPN’s Rich Cimini. Additionally, he took steps to restructure his contract, forfeiting remaining guarantees, as revealed by a source to Adam Schefter.
Cook’s playing time had been diminishing in the weeks leading up to his exit, reaching a low point during the Jets’ 37-20 loss to the Browns last Thursday night in Cleveland. Despite being in uniform, Cook did not see a single snap, marking a career first in terms of non-participation.