Cowboys' secret plan to spark Dak Prescott and their sputtering offense has a surprise twist

For the Dallas Cowboys, a bye in Week 7 arguably could not have come at a better time. Problems abound for the Cowboys — their once-vaunted defense now ranks 31st in points allowed, while the Dallas running game that is normally a strength has averaged just 77 yards per game in 2024.

No team is averaging fewer yards per game on the ground than the Cowboys, who rank 32nd in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns as well as 30th in rushing attempts. It shows that the Dallas coaching staff is unsure how to handle a situation where there is no “bellcow” in the running backs room — and they need a solution, fast.

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Cowboys contemplate making Dalvin Cook their RB1!

The Cowboys hoped fourth-year back Rico Dowdle would take the reins and lead the Dallas backfield this season, but Dowdle has rushed for just 246 yards through six games and his two touchdowns have both been on receptions from star quarterback Dak Prescott. Ezekiel Elliott‘s second stint in Dallas has not gone according to plan, either — and the Cowboys have since activated four-time Pro Bowl selection Dalvin Cook (remember him?) to play against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night.

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However, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy has more in mind for Cook than a few reps here and there against the Niners. According to Athlon Sports, Dallas is hoping to get Cook quickly up to speed so that he can form a one-two punch with Dowdle that would bring the Cowboys’ rushing game back from the dead.

Cook, a workhorse who has four 1,000-yard rushing seasons on his resume, joined the Cowboys’ practice squad in August and has not played a down of football since the Divisional Round of last season’s playoffs — when he played for the Baltimore Ravens. It has been a couple years since Cook was a genuine RB1, and the 29-year-old will have a point to prove when he steps on the field at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.