A splash of purple, a bling of chains, and a whole lot of hope. That's what Dalvin Cook brings to the Baltimore Ravens as he joins them in their playoff pursuit. After being waived by the New York Jets, Cook now has a chance to make his mark on the postseason with his new team.
The news of Cook's arrival in Baltimore was confirmed by his agents at LAA Sports & Entertainment to The Associated Press on Thursday. This move came after Cook cleared waivers and became a free agent, giving him the flexibility to choose his next destination. And that destination turned out to be the mighty Ravens.
According to NFL Network, the decision to sign Cook was made by Baltimore, who wasted no time in snapping up the talented running back. Initially, Cook will be added to the Ravens' practice squad, allowing him to get familiar with their offensive schemes and build chemistry with his new teammates. Talk about a crash course in Ravens football!
While it remains uncertain whether Cook will be available for Baltimore's regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Saturday, one thing is for sure – the Ravens have big plans for him in the postseason. As the AFC's top seed with a first-round bye and home-field advantage, Baltimore aims to go all the way, and Cook's addition only strengthens their aspirations.
Cook himself took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to share his excitement. He posted a picture alongside Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, both of them beaming with pride as they displayed chains with the letters 'LAA' – a nod to their shared agency. Cook also added a purple heart emoji, representing the Ravens' colors, and a crossed fingers emoji, hoping for success in his new journey.
His time with the Jets may have been disappointing, but Cook is determined to leave his mark in Baltimore. The four-time Pro Bowler, who signed a one-year, $7 million deal with New York in the summer, is eager to make up for lost opportunities and contribute to Baltimore's backfield alongside superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens have faced their fair share of challenges in the running back department this season. Losing J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending injury in their first game was a major blow. However, the resilient Ravens found a way to adapt. Gus Edwards has been a reliable force in short-yardage situations, and Justice Hill has made his own contributions. But with Cook's arrival, Baltimore gains a much-needed injection of speed and versatility in the backfield.
Rookie sensation Keaton Mitchell was also showing promise until he suffered a devastating knee injury last month. While his absence is felt, Cook's arrival brings renewed optimism to the Ravens' ground game. With his experience and proven track record, he could be the missing piece that propels Baltimore's rushing attack to greater heights.
Unfortunately, things didn't pan out for Cook in New York. His role in the Jets' offense never fully materialized due to unfortunate circumstances, such as Aaron Rodgers' season-ending injury early on. The anticipated partnership between Cook and Breece Hall fell short, as Hall's remarkable comeback from knee ligament damage relegated Cook to a backup role for most of the season.
Statistics can be a cruel judge, and Cook's numbers this season are far from his usual splendor. With just 214 yards rushing on 67 carries and zero touchdowns, along with a meager 15 catches for 78 yards, it's clear that he hasn't hit his usual stride. But sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to reignite a player's fire, and that's exactly what Cook is aiming for in Baltimore.
After being released by the Minnesota Vikings last offseason due to salary cap constraints, Cook is eager to prove his worth once again. With 5,993 career rushing yards in six seasons with the Vikings, he showed that he can be a force to be reckoned with. Now, he seeks to create a new chapter in his football journey and contribute to the Ravens' pursuit of glory.
As the Ravens gear up for their playoff run, with dreams of a Super Bowl dancing in their heads, Dalvin Cook joins their ranks, bringing a mix of determination, talent, and a little bit of bling. Will he be the missing piece that takes Baltimore to the promised land? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – Cook is ready to feast and make his mark on the Ravens' playoff run.
AP Sports Writer Noah Trister contributed to this report.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
