FRISCO — While the head coach drama continues at The Star, the Dallas Cowboys have a few roster projects awaiting them once their lengthy evaluations of the 2024 season are complete. Mike McCarthy has his share of blame to shoulder after a dismal 7-10 campaign though the team had plenty of other flaws that contributed to a regression this season.
The backfield started as one area of flagrant malpractice on the Cowboys' part, entering the season with a two-headed monster of aged Ezekiel Elliott and an unproven Rico Dowdle.
Dowdle's breakout during the second half of the season provided some saving grace. But the overall performance of Dallas' run game was lackluster at best at remains a spot where they need significant improvement.
For some, that means drafting Ashton Jeanty in the first round of the NFL Draft, a sensible match given Jeanty's Frisco roots and the Cowboys' need for talent in the backfield. Dallas could also choose to resign Dowdle and count on him as the definitive No. 1 back.
However, former NFL running back Darren Sproles has presented another alternative, suggesting at least a fraction of the Cowboys' solution already has a spot on the roster.
During an appearance on "Up and Adams," Kay Adams presented him with the question of which NFL player reminds Sproles most of himself. Sproles then shared his bold take regarding Deuce Vaughn.
"You know," he paused. “They [Dallas] have to play Deuce Vaughn. Let him get out there and rock.
Vaughn's most immediate connection with Sproles lies in the size of the two players, both undersized scrappy backs able to play best in open space. To his credit, Vaughn had a decent outing in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders with 37 yards on 6.2 yards per carry.
As for getting an extra chance to shine, that may not come so easy for the Kansas State product. Depending on who the Cowboys bring in these coming months, Vaughn would likely still face an uphill battle heading into offseason programming and training camp.
But if Vaughn has shown anything during his Cowboys' tenure, he will make the most of each snap he gets on the field.
