The Baltimore Ravens are strengthening themselves with a well-known running back just in time for the playoffs. According to US media reports, Dalvin Cook is joining the AFC’s top team.
According to ESPN, the Baltimore Ravens have added Dalvin Cook to the practice squad. The running back was released by the New York Jets a few days ago.
The 28-year-old went through the waiver wire on Thursday. Cook’s agent told the US broadcaster that he would now sign with the Ravens.
Ravens enter playoffs in mid-January
The team is at the top of the AFC with a record of 13-3 and can still watch the Wild Card Round on TV thanks to the bye week. The Divisional Round takes place on January 20th or 21st. Until then, the team has time to examine Cook in training.
The Ravens have already suffered tough injury blows in the running game this season. JK Dobbins injured his Achilles tendon in the first game and rookie Keaton Mitchell was sidelined for the season in Week 15 (knee injury).
Before the last game of the regular season, the New York Jets had released running back Dalvin Cook. The move happened by mutual consent and gave Cook the chance to move to a playoff team.
The ball carrier had hardly played in the past few weeks and was not used at all in the game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17, even though he was on the active game day squad.
Dream shattered in New York
Cook was released by the Minnesota Vikings before the season and eventually joined the Jets because he said he wanted to play with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Cook signed a one-year, $7 million contract with $5.8 million guaranteed. The highest amount a running back received for one year last offseason.
However, after Rodgers’ injury, the Jets’ plans changed, with 2022 rookie Breece Hall quickly returning to top form after tearing his ACL in the preseason and leading the team in touches, carries and rushing yards. For Cook, the only role left was that of a highly paid reservist.