America’s Team have closed the door of their final OTA session before their mandatory minicamp is scheduled for early June.
The voluntary workouts are a key period for the team as the rookies and veterans start to develop their chemistry and become acquainted with each other.
Moreover, this is where coaches will begin to get their veterans back up to speed and identify key areas of improvement.
The Dallas Cowboys failed to address the running game after Pollard departed
One offseason problem that the Cowboys have been aware of for a while is the lack of a clear number-one running back.
2023 starter Tony Pollard decided to pursue a new challenge in the offseason and chase a bigger payday.
Pollard was snapped off the free agency market by the Tennessee Titans as the Dallas Cowboys did not use the franchise tag on him for a consecutive year.
Veteran Royce Freeman was brought in prior to the NFL Draft but the franchise was focused on drafting Jonathon Brooks.
However, their priority target was stolen by the Carolina Panthers and they were forced to pivot.
Cowboys forced to welcome back Elliott to bulk up the rushing core
Therefore, Jerry Jones welcomed back legendary running back Ezekiel Elliott to add some muscle to the rushing department.
Elliott is an established short-yardage and goal-to-go bulldozing back but question marks still surround his durability.
Dak Prescott needs support after producing one of the best passing games in the league during the previous campaign.
Rico Dowdle has a golden opportunity to establish himself as the Dallas starter
One of the names who is expected to serve as a dual threat alongside Elliott is Rico Dowdle.
Since joining as an undrafted free agent in 2020, the rusher has experienced limited opportunities in the shadows of Elliott and Pollard.
In 2023, he played 16 games and logged 91 attempts on the ground. Furthermore, he produced 361 yards rushing and hauled in 144 receiving yards, as he tallied four touchdowns.
Mike McCarthy has stated that Dowdle looks ‘great’ at the OTAs
Head coach Mike McCarthy is keen for Dowdle to take a bigger step in his Cowboys career and become a dependable offensive outlet.
Per Cowboys Insider Calvin Watkins, the underpressure head coach stated that Dowdle has had a ‘good offseason’ and looks ‘great’.
The opportunity for the 25-year-old is sitting in front of him and he needs to take the chance to propel his NFL career.
Ultimately, he can learn from veteran Elliott to add pointers to his game and there is no one better to teach than the Cowboys’ third-of-all-time rushing leader.
