FRISCO – Mike McCarthy continues evaluating the running backs on a week-to-week basis.
After the Cowboys’ loss to the Saints on Sunday, the running game took a focus with its struggles. McCarthy said it’s hard to evaluate the running game overall because there are not enough attempts (46) in the season.
Against the Saints, the Cowboys ran it 21 times for a 3.2 average.
The possibility of elevating four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook from the practice squad to the active roster was a question from reporters on Monday.
“I think you’re always looking,” McCarthy said of the evaluations. “Yeah, we treat everybody in the building the same as far as consideration. So that’s a constant, that’s the beauty of having a competitive environment. I wouldn’t just put it, focus on that one area.”
Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott have each started a game. But Sunday the Cowboys came out with a plan to use Dowdle and backup Deuce Vaughn before turning to Elliott. During the Cowboys’ first-quarter, 13-play scoring drive, ending in a field goal, Elliott didn’t touch the field.
When the game was over, Elliott rushed for 16 yards on six carries (2.7 average) and Dowdle had 30 yards on seven carries (4.3 average).
So it might be time for Cook to enter Week 3 against the Ravens.
“Dalvin looks good,” McCarthy said. “Understanding that a big thing for a vet is just the terminology, frankly and just the language adjustment. I think he has progressed very nicely since he’s been here. He’s as natural of an outside zone runner that I’ve competed against. He looks good. He’s getting there.”
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