Cowboys Predicted to Cut Ties With Ex-Starting Pro Bowl Playmaker in Shakeup

The Dallas Cowboys are headed for an intense battle at running back in training camp. Dallas revamped the majority of the position group this offseason, prompting questions about who will emerge as the Cowboys new starting running back.

The Cowboys signed a pair of veterans in Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders during NFL free agency. Dallas then followed up these moves by selecting two running backs on the final day of the NFL draft in Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah.

This puts pressure on both Williams and Sanders to perform in training camp. Both vets are on affordable contracts allowing Dallas to potentially cut ties with the running backs before ever playing a down for the Cowboys.

USA Today’s Ben Grimaldi predicts that Williams will emerge as the team’s starting running back. The analyst also projects Sanders will be on the outside looking in as the Cowboys finalize their 53-man roster.

Grimaldi has the following four running backs making the final roster: Williams, Blue, Mafah and Hunter Luepke.

Here is what you need to know about the Cowboys running backs.

Cowboys RB Miles Sanders Is Looking to Bounce Back After Struggling With the Panthers

Sanders is out to prove that he is still capable of being an NFL starting running back. The veteran made the Pro Bowl in his final season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022.

Sanders posted 259 carries for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns in 17 appearances during his best NFL season. The running back signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2023 and struggled to show anything close to the Pro Bowler who emerged in Philly.

The Cowboys Could Cut Miles Sanders & Re-Sign the Running Back to the Team’s Practice Squad

Dallas could release Sanders and still re-sign the running back to the team’s practice squad if no other team claims the playmaker. Sanders is coming off the worst statistical season of his career notching just 55 carries for 205 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 11 appearances during 2024.

“Under former coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys traditionally kept three halfbacks, with a fullback or H-back on the roster,” Grimaldi wrote in a June 18, 2025, story titled, “53-man roster prediction for the Dallas Cowboys after OTAs and minicamp.” “Fans will see if that changes under Brian Schottenheimer. Williams and Blue seem like locks, and Luepke does have a versatile skillset to stick on the roster.

“That final running back spot appears like it’s coming down to veteran Miles Sanders or the rookie Mafah. Sanders has gotten some positive reviews over the last few weeks, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to keep him instead,” Grimaldi added.

“However, the Cowboys annually do some roster gymnastics to keep veteran players, so they could keep Sanders via the practice squad, which would ensure they hold onto the bruising first-year RB on the roster.”

The Cowboys will need more production from the position in 2025 after the failed experiment of Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle last season. It will be worth watching to see if Blue has a legitimate chance to earn the starting gig over more established veterans like Williams and Sanders.