6 Cowboys Already on Thin Ice in Training Camp

4. Royce Freeman, Running Back

The running back situation is far from figured out in Dallas. The return of Ezekiel Elliott could be a good thing — if they understand what he brings at this point in his career. Zeke, who hasn't averaged above four yards per rushing attempt since 2021, is still a solid option as a short-yardage back. He doesn't break long runs but he rarely loses yards. He also proved in 2022 that he can find the end zone as he ran 12 touchdowns for the Cowboys.

If a team had a solid No. 1 back, Zeke could be a great short-yardage option off the bench. But there's no legitimate No. 1 back in Big D. And Jerry Jones lives in his own world — a world where Patrick Mahomes is an option quarterback and Jerry is just like Mahomes. Also in that world, Elliott is still a starting running back.

Zeke is a lock to make the team and the Cowboys will likely keep three other backs. Rico Dowdle should be there and it seems as though Hunter Luepke might stick around as a fullback/halfback mix. That means Royce Freeman and Deuce Vaughn are fighting for a spot.

At this point, Freeman has put up better career numbers but he has a major problem — he doesn't offer anything they won't have in Elliott and even Luepke. Freeman is a 230-pounder who was decent in 2023 but had two years of futility before that.

Vaughn offers something more — plus he's been used in the return game. There's also a chance the Joneses will finally see the light and add a running back either through trade or via waivers before Week 1. Whatever the plan, it's hard to see Freeman as part of it.