]

Cowboys reward Rico Dowdle with starting running back status, ending committee approach featuring Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy named Rico Dowdle the primary running back for the rest of the season, sidelining Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook.

Cowboys reward Rico Dowdle with starting running back status, ending committee approach featuring Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook

Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle (Image via ESPN)

The Dallas Cowboys finally made a move on the running back spot, and no, they did not add another high-profile name alongside Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook. Instead, Mike McCarthy appointed Rico Dowdle as the leading back for the Cowboys for the rest of the season.

The Cowboys languish near the bottom (31st in rushing yards and have the joint lowest rushing touchdowns with 3 alongside the Cleveland Browns) of the league in terms of running the ball on the ground.

YouTube video

Despite the presence of multiple Pro Bowl running backs in their team, McCarthy failed to provide quarterback Dak Prescott, who rarely uses his feet, with proper cover. Ironically, Prescott hurt his hamstring while attempting a run.

With Cooper Rush taking over the starting quarterback role, the Cowboys reverted back to their original one-rusher formation. By doing so, McCarthy essentially parted ways with the running back committee model, and Rico Dowdle will line up in the backfield for the majority of the snaps.

Cowboys beat writer Clarence Hill Jr. reported the news on Thursday after practice concluded at Arlington.

Dowdle has been the Cowboys’ best rusher by a country mile. Pro Football Reference revealed that the undrafted free agent ranks 10th in the NFL in rushing success rate (55.4% success rate in the last eight NFL games).

Cowboys reward Rico Dowdle with starting runningback status, ending committee approach featuring Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook
Rico Dowdle (Image via ESPN)

Last season, Dowdle appeared in 16 games but did not start in any, recording 89 carries for 361 yards and two touchdowns. He’s already equaled those numbers in just eight games (7 starts): 83 carries for 374 yards (4.5 yards per carry but 5.5 in the last four appearances).

His future looks bright, but there’s always the possibility of the Cowboys adding new blood through the draft. Both Elliott and Cook will enter free agency when this season ends, so drafting a new RB does make sense.

Boise State Broncos rusher Ashton Jeanty has constantly been linked with the Cowboys. Jeanty is on the verge of breaking Hall of Famer Barry Sanders’ college football rushing yards record. In nine games, Jeanty rushed 224 times for 1734 yards (7.7 yards per carry) and 23 touchdowns.

The 20-year-old back wants to play for his home team.

The Cowboys currently sit on a 3-7 record with seven games left. Usually, running backs aren’t the top priority in the rounds of the draft, but Jerry Jones can certainly make a move.

Related Posts

Breaking News: Star Nick Bosa sends 8 powerful words to wake up the 49ers defense in the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers… Ngann

San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa has delivered a powerful message ahead of the team’s crucial upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and it’s already making…

Congratulations: Frank Gore, Alex Smith and 16 others nominated for 2026 Player of the Year. Ngann

The NFL community is buzzing with excitement as the nominations for the highly anticipated 2026 Player of the Year award have been officially announced. Among the distinguished…

Report: Former 49ers star Terrell Owens shares his thoughts on the 49ers – Buccaneers matchup and makes an interesting prediction for NFL Week 6. Ngann

NFL legend and former San Francisco 49ers star Terrell Owens has once again captured the attention of fans and analysts with his latest comments on one of…

Hot transfer news: 49ers shocked with $27.6 million deal with a big star from Ohio State University…. Ngann

The San Francisco 49ers have sent shockwaves through the NFL world with a massive move that’s dominating the headlines. Reports indicate that the team has reached an…

Mac Jones is on fire, Brock Purdy is injured again — the 49ers QB controversy is starting to rise! Ngann

Mac Jones is quickly becoming one of the hottest names in the NFL this season. His impressive performances week after week have not only silenced his critics…

Results announced tomorrow: Player’s shocking statement immediately caused a stir in public opinion! Ngann

As anticipation builds ahead of tomorrow’s highly awaited results, the sports world has been thrown into turmoil after a player’s shocking statement sent shockwaves through public opinion….