5 Cowboys Already on Thin Ice in Week 1

The Dallas Cowboys are ready to kick off the 2024 NFL campaign with a tough matchup on the road against the Cleveland Browns. With a defensive unit dealing with injuries to key starters and a brand new offensive line to start the season, the Cowboys are in a potentially difficult situation.

An underwhelming start to the season could jeopardize the rotation spots of a few Cowboys. Let's take a look at some players who are already on thin ice and could be in trouble if they don't perform immediately.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB

The Cowboys revamped the running back room in the offseason, bringing back Zeke and moving on from Tony Pollard. Yet, the fanbase wasn't particularly satisfied with the rotation they were clamoring for another addition all summer. Jerry Jones responded by signing free agent Dalvin Cook to bolster the rotation.

There have been reports in recent weeks that Rico Dowdle may be the RB1 and get the majority of the workload. Mike McCarthy all but confirmed this by saying that he will have a reduced special teams role because of his increased touches offensively. However, the Cowboys are still listing Zeke as the starting running back to start the season.

This is understandable. Despite having a career-worst season in New England last year, Elliott has the biggest profile of any of the names on the depth chart. He knows the team and the offensive system.

Yet, if Zeke can't produce immediately, he is a good bet to lose his RB1 status quickly. With the Patriots, he averaged 3.5 yards per carry and scored only three rushing touchdowns in 17 games last year. If he isn't more effective in Week 1, Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Dalvin Cook are lurking.