5 Cowboys on the Bubble Ahead of 2024 Training Camp

3. Deuce Vaughn, RB

One year ago, Deuce Vaughn was one of the feel-good stories at Cowboys training camp. The 5-foot-6 running back shocked a lot of people by exceeding expectations last summer, earning himself a spot on the 53-man roster in the process.

But after a solid preseason, Vaughn's production took a step back once the regular season arrived.

Playing in seven games without a start, the diminutive rusher only managed to tally 40 rushing yards and one first down on 23 carries (1.7 yards per attempt). Even though he caught all seven of his targets for another 40 yards, 80 scrimmage yards without a touchdown on 30 touches is nothing to write home about.

The fact that Vaughn was inactive in the Cowboys' lone playoff game tells you everything you must know about his outlook. Rather than running things back with him and Rico Dowdle as the team's lead backs, Dallas went out and brought back long-time Cowboy Ezekiel Elliott this offseason while adding veteran rusher Royce Freeman on a one-year deal.

Elliott might be past his prime, but he still tallied 955 scrimmage yards with the New England Patriots last season. Meanwhile, Freeman averaged a solid 4.1 rushing yards on 77 carries with the LA Rams, showing that he's better than Vaughn at making the most out of limited opportunities.

If Vaughn can't replicate last summer's success, it's going to be tough to justify a return this fall.