Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have a new weapon at their disposal on Saturday when they host the Houston Texans in an AFC playoff divisional clash — running back Dalvin Cook.
The Ravens elevated Cook, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, from the practice squad, two weeks after signing him. The New York Jets released Cook, allowing him to try to catch on with a playoff team.
“Dalvin will be in there,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “I think it’s gonna be a great opportunity for him and for us. I will be looking forward to see how he does. … We’ve seen him in practice. He looks good. He’s gonna be out there like everyone else trying to do everything he can do to help us win the game.”
The Ravens are the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Their No. 1 cornerback, Marlon Humphrey, and top tight end, Mark Andrews, are not guaranteed to be available Saturday.
“It’s a little dicey right now with Marlon,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t know if he’ll make it. He’s probably the person I’m least optimistic about right now.”
Humphrey has a calf injury and likely is to be listed as doubtful on Friday.
Andrews completed a full practice on Wednesday, his first since Nov. 14, but Harbaugh cautioned that landmark isn’t the only evaluation tool in play with the star tight end. He’s returning from an ankle injury and watching his recovery from a complete practice also will be weighed before kickoff.
Harbaugh graded Andrews’ status as “still up in the air.”
In the corresponding move to Cook joining the 53-man roster, the Ravens waived veteran running back Melvin Gordon. ESPN reported Gordon is likely to be signed to the practice squad.
Cook was waived by the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason and ultimately signed a $5.8 million, one-year deal after meeting with Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But when Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury in the season opener, things went south for the Jets and Cook never found his role in New York.
Cook had 67 rushing attempts for 214 yards this season and added 15 receptions for 78 yards over 15 games (one start). He did not score a touchdown.
In 88 career games (73 starts) for the Vikings (2017-22) and Jets, Cook has rushed for 6,207 yards and 47 touchdowns and caught 236 passes for 1,872 yards and five TDs.
Gordon, 30, was the No. 15 overall pick of the 2015 draft. In 112 career games (94 starts) with the Chargers (2015-19), Denver Broncos (2020-22) and Ravens, he has gained 9,056 yards from scrimmage and scored 70 touchdowns.
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Gordon was sparingly used by the Ravens this season, appearing in just four games. He carried the ball 26 times for 81 yards and a touchdown, and he caught three passes for 46 yards.