The Dallas Cowboys are slated to play the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. The Cowboys will, once again, be squaring off against a former player in running back Rico Dowdle, leading to Stephen Jones speaking about the former Cowboys on Monday.
According to Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News, Jones revealed that the front office was fans of Dowdle but, instead of retaining him, made a choice to go after Javonte Williams. In the same breath, Jones was sure to make note of the fact that Dowdle will be a tough matchup for them.
""We were huge fans of Rico Dowdle, but we made a conscious decision to go for Javonte, even though we had a lot of love for Rico ... My hats off to Rico. What a hell of a game he had. He'll be a handful for us.""Stephen Jones
Stephen Jones Praises Ex-Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle Before Week 6 Clash
This past offseason, Dallas' front office elected to sign Williams to a one-year, $3 million deal. Meanwhile, Dowdle inked a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. While Dowdle has been fine for Carolina, the Cowboys made a great choice with Williams based on his production over their first four games.
Williams is third in the NFL in rushing yards (447), ninth in carries (79), and tied for second in rushing touchdowns (5). As for Dowdle, he didn't do much in the first four weeks but got his chance in Week 5 since Chubba Hubbard was out with a calf injury.
In the Panthers' win over the Dolphins, Dowdle racked up a whopping 206 rushing yards, one touchdown, and nine yards per carry. He also added three catches for 28 receiving yards. That was a standout performance by Dowdle when given the chance to start.
With Hubbard still nursing that calf injury, Dowdle could be in line to be the starter at RB once again for Carolina in Week 6. Like Jones said, he could be a terror for the Cowboys' defense. To this point in the 2025 season, Dallas ranks 23rd in run defense (127.4). Despite its win over the New York Jets, Dallas gave up 144 total rushing yards, including 113 rushing yards from Breece Hall.
Dowdle will certainly be playing with a chip on his shoulder. Going against the team that didn't want to bring you back must sting, so Dallas should expect an aggressive Dowdle. Regardless, the Cowboys should have no regrets about going with Williams. He's one of the top-producing running backs in the league and will get a chance to outshine Dowdle in Week 6.