*Ravens open their 2024 playoffs against the Texans
*As the #1 overall seed in the AFC, they maintain home-field advantage throughout the playoffs
In a strategic move ahead of their AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Houston Texans, the Baltimore Ravens have just added former Pro-Bowl RB1 Dalvin Cook to their running backs room. The team made the move earlier in the week, hoping to further solidify their number one rushing offense.
Cook, aged 28, secured a spot on the 53-man roster following a two-week stint on the Ravens’ practice squad. The running back, known for making four Pro Bowl appearances, had an earlier stint this season with the New York Jets before being released just before the regular season’s end.
The Ravens, leading the AFC with a 13-3 record, now boast a running back group featuring Cook, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill. Cook’s performance (prior to his time with the Jets) was impressive, averaging 111 scrimmage yards per game between 2019 and 2022. Only Tennessee Titan beast Derek Henry accounted for more yardage. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh recently commented on Cook’s potential as an invaluable asset for the team.
To make room for Cook, the Ravens had to drop another former Pro-Bowler from their roster in running back Melvin Gordon.
The now-30 Gordon is expected to join the Ravens’ practice squad, making him immediately available should the injury bug ravage another Ravens running back — they already lost RB1 JK Dobbins at the beginning of the 2023 season.
Since joining the Ravens at the beginning of training camp in July, Gordon had a limited role, accumulating 26 carries for 81 yards and scoring one touchdown.
Gordon, initially the 15th overall pick in the 2015 draft by the San Diego Chargers, has an impressive career record, with 6,543 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns across his time with the Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Ravens.
Will Cook make an impact during the Ravens’ playoff run?
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