Cowboys Sign Dalvin; Cut Deuce Loose?

FRISCO — All offseason, speculation has swirled about the status of the Dallas Cowboys' backfield. Those agenda items swirled from doubt about the players on the roster or assets that could be acquired elsewhere.

The Cowboys waited until the last minute, but put that second option into action Wednesday morning, signing free agent running back Dalvin Cook to the team's practice squad .

Cook, a four-time All-Pro back, has seen better days in the NFL and played a very minimal role in the New York Jets backfield last season. Looking at the status of this backfield though, there could be opportunity for him down the line in Dallas.

Tuesday, the Cowboys announced their final 53-man roster, keeping a total of three running backs: Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn. Among those three, Elliott carries the most favor and Dowdle brings the most every-down-back upside.

Vaughn touts a diluted package of both qualities. Would that make him the odd man out?

Cook will need time to get up to speed in the Cowboys' system and find his football shape once again. The veteran has remained in good overall fitness amid his search for a new team, but he will not be an immediate insertion into the lineup, regardless of the level of the Dallas backfield's performance.

However, this is more than a simple numbers game. Vaughn and Cook are two different styles and sizes. The veteran's offerings to this unit are more of a known commodity.

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Vaughn's size, while a sure downside, contribute to his quick and shifty skillset that set him apart in this group. Would the Cowboys be willing to sacrifice that untapped potential?

Happenings on other spots of the roster could impact that future decision, though it remains likely this will be a reality the Cowboys are confronted with in coming weeks.

In the end, Dallas will have to make the decision that best suits the backfield and the rest of the team amid a critical season for the franchise. And there might not be room for everybody.