The Dallas Cowboys are set to face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night as they aim to improve their season record.
Currently sitting at 3-3, the Cowboys are third in the NFC East, trailing the 5-2 Washington Commanders and the 4-2 Philadelphia Eagles.
After their bye in Week 7, they return to action against a 49ers team in a similar situation.
Both the Cowboys and 49ers were expected to be NFC contenders, but things haven’t gone as planned. San Francisco is currently 3-4, and Dallas is struggling to find its rhythm.
One possible solution for the Cowboys is strengthening their running back corps. Dallas has been the worst rushing team in the league this season, leading some to speculate a trade before the November 5 deadline might be beneficial.
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus compiled a list of “dream” trade deadline scenarios, suggesting that the Cowboys could pursue Jacksonville Jaguars star running back Travis Etienne Jr.
“The Jaguars have been one of the most baffling teams over the past two years, and it appears tension is rising under Doug Pederson,” Locker wrote.
“With what should be a playoff-caliber roster, the team looks disjointed, meaning pieces may be moved. Jacksonville ranks eighth in rushing EPA per play, largely due to Tank Bigsby, whose 82.5 rushing grade is ninth among players with 50-plus carries. This could make Etienne expendable…
“A team that would love a player like Etienne is the Cowboys. Dallas’ rushing game has been abysmal, ranking 29th in rushing grade and second-to-last in explosive rushes.
The duo of Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott has performed as expected, with neither earning a rushing grade above 69.0. Etienne is only under contract for one more year, making him a realistic trade candidate. Jerry Jones would likely jump at the chance.”
Etienne is in his third NFL season, having rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first two. A deal could be worth considering.
