While the Dallas Cowboys backfield includes former Pro Bowlers Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook, neither is expected to be their No. 1 running back.
In a recent column, The Athletic's Jon Machota signaled former undrafted free agent Rico Dowdle should be Dallas' top back.
"He was Dallas' most explosive back [in training camp] and showcased an ability in the passing game to be a complete back," wrote Machota. "In a room that includes Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook, Dowdle should be the favorite to lead the Cowboys in rushing yards and rushing attempts this season."
It's surprising that Dallas will probably bank on Dowdle. In three seasons with the Cowboys, the South Carolina product has mainly served as a backup, registering 529 yards and four touchdowns on 113 touches.
However, per Pro Football Focus, Dowdle logged career highs in forced missed tackles (14), yards after contact (2.91) and runs of 10-plus yards (seven) in 16 games in 2023. Thus, he may offer slightly more upside than Cook and Elliott, who could be exiting their primes.
In 17 games with the New England Patriots last season, Elliott logged career lows in carries (184), rushing yards (642) and rushing touchdowns (three).
Cook, meanwhile, rushed for a career-low 214 yards and zero TDs on 67 carries in 15 games with the New York Jets last season. After New York released him, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens and only played in one playoff game, running for 23 yards on eight carries.
Recent free-agent signee Cook is also slated to start the season on the practice squad after he missed mandatory mini-camp and training camp.
Clearly, the Cowboys' RB room is a major question, and they may rely on their passing attack instead. In 2023, Dallas ranked third in the league in passing yards (258.6).
