Jan 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy before the 2024 NFC wild card game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys are returning a familiar face to the running back room after losing one key player in free agency last week. The Cowboys watched as Tony Pollard signed with the Tennessee Titans last week.
The Dallas Cowboys have lost key RBs in recent offseasons
Dec 31, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys have lost two key running backs in as many offseasons. Last offseason, they released Ezekiel Elliott. The team was expected to try to land a competent replacement last week. AJ Dillon was considered a logical option for the “all-in” Cowboys, but he re-signed with the Green Bay Packers.
Like the Packers with Dillon, the Cowboys are bringing back one of their players from the 2023 team.
Rico Dowdle is staying in Dallas
Nov 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) runs the ball against the New York Giants in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Per the sports agency SportsTrust Advisors, Rico Dowdle signed with the Cowboys.
Dowdle has spent his career with the Cowboys
October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Dowdle has been with the Cowboys since they signed him as an undrafted free agent before the 2020 season. Dowdle had his best season in Dallas last season. He rushed for 331 yards and two touchdowns. Dowdle added 17 receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game.
Dowdle could have a bigger load on the Cowboys’ offense in the 2024 season.
