The Dallas Cowboys will head into training camp with one of the league’s worst backfields. The lack of talent might not be able to save a recently signed veteran running back’s stint with the Cowboys.
The Cowboys have several interesting battles lined up on offense in training camp later this month. Trey Lance will compete with Cooper Rush for the QB2 job. The Cowboys are deciding their committee for the running back group. The Cowboys wide receivers group looks unsettled after CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Jalen Tolbert.
The Dallas Cowboys need more RB help
As previously discussed on GH, The Athletic’s Jon Machota thinks the Cowboys aren’t done adding to the backfield:
As the roster sits, I think Ezekiel Elliott leads the team in touches, followed closely by Rico Dowdle. The No. 3 back is completely up in the air. It could be Royce Freeman, it could be Malik Davis, it could be Deuce Vaughn.
The Cowboys are hopeful that this plan will keep a couple of backs relatively healthy late in the season and entering the playoffs.
Royce Freeman is predicted to be cut before Week 1
Machota recently published his roster projection for the upcoming season. He has Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Hunter Luepke surviving training camp. Machota thinks Freeman, who the Cowboys signed in April, will not make the 53-man roster:
Malik Davis and Royce Freeman will have a chance to be part of this final four. It’s difficult to see Dallas keeping more than that at a position it hasn’t invested very much. This is also a spot where someone not on the current roster ends up on the 53 during the season.
Elliott has the tools to make a solid contribution to the Cowboys this season. However, he’s not going to be an every-down back, and Dowdle and Luepke aren’t going to inspire confidence in the fanbase. The Cowboys were trying out Vaughn as a slot receiver in practice this spring to see if he could be helpful there.
Freeman had a pretty good season with the Rams in 2023
It is honestly a little surprising that Machota thinks Freeman won’t make the cut. He didn’t post awful numbers for the Los Angeles Rams last season when he finished with 319 yards on 77 carries and two touchdowns. At 4.1 yards per rush, Freeman would be a helpful addition to a committee backfield.
The Cowboys’ backfield doesn’t feel complete, and Machota reiterated the Cowboys will likely add outside help:
If they aren’t getting the job done, a move will need to be made. It’s arguably Dallas’ weakest position group.
Of course, the Cowboys might only feel pressured to do so if they think it will improve their playoff chances.
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