The Athletic’s Jon Machota recently suggested that Rico Dowdle, an undrafted free agent, should be the starting running back for the Dallas Cowboys.
“He was Dallas’ most explosive back [in training camp] and showcased an ability in the passing game to be a complete back,” Machota wrote.
“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.” Even though Elliott and Cook are former Pro Bowlers, Machota does not expect either of them to be the team’s top back.
It’s unexpected that Dallas will most likely rely on Dowdle. The South Carolina product has mostly been a backup for the Cowboys in his three seasons there, logging 529 yards and four touchdowns on 113 touches.
Pro Football Focus reports that in 16 games in 2023, Dowdle had career highs in yards after contact (2.91), forced missed tackles (14), and runs of ten yards or more (seven).
Thus, he may provide slightly greater potential than Cook and Elliott, who could be exiting their primes.
In 17 games with the New England Patriots last season, Elliott registered career lows in carries (184), rushing yards (642) and rushing touchdowns (three). 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.
Cook, a recent free agent signing, will also begin the season on the practice squad due to his absence from training camp and the mandated mini-camp. The Cowboys’ RB room is obviously a big question mark, and they might have to depend more on their passing approach. Dallas had the third-most passing yards (258.6) in the league in 2023.
