Cowboys fans were eager for a different narrative.
The Dallas Cowboys just can’t seem to have a normal week. Following their bye, running back Rico Dowdle unexpectedly was ruled out for Sunday Night Football due to illness.
Dowdle practiced fully all week, but upon arriving at Levi’s Stadium, he was reported to have fallen ill. After further assessment, he was deemed unfit to play, allowing Ezekiel Elliott to start for the first time since the season opener.
Dowdle’s sudden illness surprised many Cowboys fans, leading to conspiracy theories circulating rapidly on social media.
Skeptical of Dowdle’s claim of illness, many in Cowboys Nation speculated that the team fabricated his condition to avoid the embarrassment of having Elliott as a healthy scratch.
This accusation was harsh, but Dowdle addressed it post-game, clarifying to Sports Day DFW that he woke up with a high fever on Sunday, and his condition deteriorated closer to kickoff despite taking medication, as reported by Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.
Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle dismisses conspiracy about Ezekiel Elliott.
That should clarify things.It was quite a fantastical theory, but it gained traction after pregame footage showed Dowdle signing autographs.
Additionally, Nick Harris from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram noted Dowdle appeared cheerful—singing along to his pregame playlist—raising eyebrows.
Typically, a player too ill to compete wouldn’t be out signing autographs. Health protocols would typically prevent someone with a 102.4 fever from being on the sideline.
This skepticism grew among Cowboys fans leading up to kickoff.
Even after the game, it’s disheartening that many fans suspected Dowdle’s illness was a tactic to sideline Elliott, who would have likely been the odd man out had Dowdle played.
Elliott performed decently in the first half, scoring a touchdown in the second quarter, giving the Cowboys a 7-3 lead. Yet, it was another subpar outing for him, as he led the team with only 34 rushing yards on 10 attempts.
While it’s understandable why Cowboys fans quickly questioned Dowdle’s sudden illness, his admission of battling a high fever should put the rumors to rest.
Here’s hoping Dowdle recovers in time for Week 9, as Sunday highlighted the Cowboys’ struggles to run the ball without him.
