One of the biggest weaknesses for the Dallas Cowboys last season was the performance of their running game. After years of having one of the NFL’s top rushing attacks, the Cowboys slumped behind Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott last season, ranking 27th in yards per game and tying for 28th with four yards per carry.
With Mike McCarthy’s departure, Brian Schottenheimer came in wanting to establish a more physical ground game, adding Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams in free agency. But with so many new faces, it doesn’t leave room for some of the current players. That includes a fan favorite that may not be able to survive when the calendar turns to July.
Cowboys RB Deuce Vaughn Could Be Looking for a Job After OTAs
The Dallas Cowboys selected Deuce Vaughn in the sixth round in the 2023 draft, hoping his playmaking ability would translate to the NFL. At 5-foot-6 and 172 pounds, Vaughn drew comparisons to Darren Sproles by helmet scouters after racking up 3,604 rushing yards and 34 rushing touchdowns in three seasons with the Kansas State Wildcats. He was also a viable threat in the passing game, catching 116 passes for 1,280 yards and nine touchdowns during his time in Manhattan.
With his father, Chris, in the Cowboys’ front office, Deuce became a favorite of Cowboys fans after the video of his draft day phone call went viral. But the good feelings stopped shortly after they hung up the phone and it’s been a tough ride for the younger Vaughn in the NFL.
Vaughn has carried the ball 40 times since arriving in Dallas and managed 110 scoreless yards. The production averages to 2.8 yards per carry but he also hasn’t been able to get going in the receiving game. With 10 catches for 58 yards during his career, Vaughn doesn’t do much that sets him apart – especially without the ability to return kicks or punts.
This spelled bad news for Vaughn’s chances to make the roster, but it got even worse when the Cowboys added Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah in April’s draft. The additions create a free-for-all in the Dallas backfield, but Vaughn hasn’t been able to carve out a clear path. With the Cowboys backfield crowded, Vaughn could be the odd man out.