5 Cowboys on Thin Ice Following Trade Deadline

5. Deuce Vaughn, RB

Deuce Vaughn is one player who Cowboys fans hoped to see step up amid the team's backfield issues to begin the season. Unfortunately, he's been on the same page as Elliott when it comes to lackluster production.

Vaughn struggled to produce early in the season, recording a measly 20 rushing yards on seven carries in his first four games. The forgettable performance led to the 23-year-old RB being inactive for all three of the Cowboys' games played in October. While he did return to the lineup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, he may as well have been invisible considering that he only logged three special teams snaps.

With veteran runner Dalvin Cook slowly gaining more opportunities each week, it's hard to figure out where Vaughn fits in. He won't overtake Cook or Dowdle for more playing time, meaning he'll likely need someone to be injured to move up the pecking order.

Even though Vaughn is still under contract through 2026, it's clear that he must be better if he wants to stay with the franchise. After all, an offseason divorce won't cost the Cowboys much since they'll only be hit with a $33,334 dead cap charge if they trade or waive the struggling runner after June 1, 2025, per Spotrac.

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