3 Cowboys Whose Stock is Rising After OTAs
2. Rico Dowdle, RB
Running back is another area of the roster with more questions than answers right now. Tony Pollard's departure has left a gaping hole at the top of the depth chart with no obvious replacements brought in via free agency or the draft.
That creates an opportunity for an unheralded talent to step into a leading role here, and Rico Dowdle may be doing just that.
Dallas' team website highlighted early on in OTAs that Dowdle split first-team work with the recently returned Ezekiel Elliott, putting the former on even footing despite the latter's decorated career. And even if this is a committee approach, it's clear McCarthy plans for Dowdle to be right at the front of this rotation, calling him "one of the lead guys in the room."
#Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy on how many RBs will comprise his running back by committee:
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) May 30, 2024
“Whether it’s two or whether it’s three, to be honest with you, the players will determine that.”
McCarthy on Rico Dowdle:
“He’s definitely one of the lead guys in the room”
McCarthy has a… pic.twitter.com/v3earPpRKd
Mike McCarthy said he's seen some growth in Mazi Smith this offseason. Smith is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Also, RB Rico Dowdle "good offseason, looks great."
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) May 30, 2024
This just adds to the nice momentum behind Dowdle as this competition heats up. He's coming off of a career-best season with the Cowboys in 2023, setting personal highs in attempts (89), yards (361) and touchdowns (2) on the ground. He even flashed some dual-threat potential with another 17 receptions, 144 yards and 2 TDs as a receiver.
Dowdle, about to turn 26, represents much more of the future than Elliott, nearly 29, does for Dallas. The former doesn't have nearly as much of the wear and tear on him, either, so his body is a lot fresher than the latter's. That all means the Cowboys should dedicate resources into Dowdle's development to see if he can produce even starter-like numbers in a bigger role.