Changing Tides for the Dallas Cowboys’ Running Back Situation

The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant roster move by releasing running back Ezekiel Elliott. After two seasons of parting ways, Elliott requested his release from the Cowboys. This development underscores a shifting landscape in the Cowboys’ backfield, where new talent is reshaping the team’s running dynamic.

Ezekiel Elliott’s Departure

Ezekiel Elliott, a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense for a significant part of his career, has seen a decline in performance recently. His career lows in carries, rushing yards, and touchdowns this season have mirrored a steady decline in his production, with his yards per game dipping to 15.1 over his nine-year career. Reflecting on Elliott’s tenure, head coach Mike McCarthy stated, "Obviously, Zeke had great years here, and he will always be part of the Cowboys' history." It seems both Elliott and the team felt it was time for him to explore new paths, as McCarthy revealed, "It was a conversation that he asked for the opportunity to move forward."

Rico Dowdle: From Undrafted to Undeniable

Rico Dowdle has emerged as the new leading man in the Cowboys’ running game, a role he’s embraced with impressive results. Dowdle, an undrafted player, made history by becoming the first in the team’s history to rush for 1,000 yards. His performance has been nothing short of remarkable. Since Week 11, he’s racked up 633 rushing yards, the fifth-highest in the NFL in that period. McCarthy highlighted this shift, saying, "We started this journey at the running back position looking to potentially be a running back-by-committee, and Rico clearly took the lead position."

The Battle for the Backup

Alongside Dowdle, the competition for the backup running back spot is heating up, with Dalvin Cook and Deuce Vaughn vying for the position. Dalvin Cook has shown readiness and professionalism, though his on-field stats—20 yards on eight carries over two games—have been modest. McCarthy acknowledged Cook's readiness, saying, "I can't say enough about Dalvin as a professional because he's been ready to play each week." Meanwhile, Deuce Vaughn, listed at 5-foot-6 and 176 pounds, has managed 33 rushing yards, making every opportunity count despite limited playing time. This brewing competition adds an element of intrigue to the Cowboys’ backfield strategy.

In a season that began with talk of a collective effort in the running game, it’s Rico Dowdle’s emergence as a significant force that has captured attention. For the Cowboys, the future of their running game looks promising as they adapt and evolve with the changing dynamics of their roster. Fans will be eager to see how these adjustments translate into performance on the field as the Cowboys navigate their journey ahead.