The running back position was a major talking point for the Cowboys this offseason, one in which Tony Pollard departed as a free agent. The team’s moves since then have not quelled debate about whether more is required, but further additions are not a priority at the moment. 
“A few of the media have gotten out here and written some stories early about how we needed a running back in the draft or how we need a running back, and they’re trying to cover their you-know-what as we go through the season,” owner Jerry Jones said during a Friday appearance on 105.3 The Fan (via Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram).
Dallas reunited with Ezekiel Elliott on a one-year deal, although the team did so with a committee approach in mind. Elliott logged at least 231 carries during each of his first seven seasons as a Cowboy before ceding time to Pollard and being released after the 2022 season. That paved the way for a one-and-done campaign in New England during which the 29-year-old set a new career low in yards per carry (3.5). Elliott has matched that figure through two games while logging a 45% snap share.
The Cowboys retained Rico Dowdle in the offseason after he served in a depth capacity with the team for several years. The former UDFA took on an increased role in 2023 with a 22% snap share; that mark has doubled in the early portion of the current campaign. Dowdle received 106 total touches last year, but he is well on track to surpass that figure with 20 through two weeks in 2024.
Not long before the start of the campaign, the Cowboys added Dalvin Cook to their practice squad. The four-time Pro Bowler had a forgettable 2023 season split between the Jets and Ravens, but Dallas represents an opportunity to rebound. Cook, 29, has yet to be promoted to the active roster. Doing so would be a feasible move from the team’s perspective before seeking out any additions.
Dallas has averaged just 85 rushing yards per game this year, which ranks 26th in the league. Frequently linked to Jonathon Brooks in particular leading up to the draft, the team did not add any rookies in the backfield. Reliance on Elliott, Dowdle, 2023 sixth-rounder Deuce Vaughn and (at some point) Cook will remain the case until a move is deemed necessary. With Kareem Hunt having returned to the Chiefs this week, though, the free agent pool has thinned.
Zeke was at 3.5 yards per carry last year with the Patriots. With the Cowboys this season he’s at…3.5 yards per carry. What did the Cowboys expect? Complete negligence.
Jerry is a tool lol
Did Dallas have any interest in Barkley? Was no one available in the draft?
Was there ever a time Jerry wasn’t in love with the sound of his own voice? Imagine being stuck in an elevator with this guy.
Lifelong Cowboys fan but they really are a joke of a franchise as far as competing in games goes. Won’t change as long as the Cryptkeeper is running things either. The game passed Jones by many, many years ago.
The problem is not the backs but the o-line. They have spent so much time worrying about protecting Dak, they can’t open a sliver of space for the Thin Man to run through. Watch the line play tomorrow. Their blocking schemes are designed to protect the passer not open holes for the runner.
Go back and look what players they chose in rounds 2-4. Then, look at what RB was available to select? As far as FA RBs? teams , except PHI got retread players that will likely under perform. They could have used a RB, no question. But the DAL fan base will crab either way.
King Henry showed the Cowboys why they should have signed him. The Cowboys run defense too soft for the second straight week.