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With Tony Pollard leaving in free agency to sign with the Tennesee Titans, the Dallas Cowboys signed veteran free-agent running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook. In 2016, the Cowboys drafted Elliott fourth overall following his prolific Ohio State career. Elliot played with Dallas until the 2022 season and earned three Pro Bowl selections during that time.
After signing a one-year deal with the New England Patriots last season, Elliott returned to Dallas this summer, signing a one-year contract after Pollard's departure. Despite being the team's number-one option for several years, Elliot is losing ground to fifth-year running back Rico Dowdle on the Cowboy's depth chart.
John Machota, who covers Dallas for The Athletic, wrote an article featuring seven Cowboys players who have impressed him this pre-season. One of those players is Dowdle.
Machota wrote:
"The expectation going into camp was that Rico Dowdle would be in position to have a larger role with Tony Pollard leaving in free agency. Not sure how the carries would work out, but Dowdle would be somewhere in the mix with Ezekiel Elliott. Well, the fifth-year back looked to make the most of his opportunities in Oxnard, Calif. He was Dallas’ most explosive back and showcased an ability in the passing game to be a complete back."
Dallas Cowboys' depth chart at running back featuring Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott is currently listed as the Dallas Cowboys' starting running back. Dowdle is listed as the second-string running back and Cook is the third-string running back.
However, reports have emerged in recent days suggesting that Dowdle will be the team's feature back. Elliott has gradually lost elite status, failing to average more than four yards per carry in the last two seasons despite receiving over 180 attempts each year.
Cook, signed by the team on August 28, had a tough time last season with the New York Jets. The former Pro Bowler has also lost a step and averaged just 3.2 yards per carry on 67 rushes while failing to score in 2023.
Meanwhile, during his fourth NFL season last fall, Dowdle rushed the ball 89 times for 361 yards and four touchdowns. Being the younger, fresher back gives Dowdle the RB1 edge over his more shopworn teammates.
