Cowboys Running Back Depth Chart: Rico Dowdle can be a starter

Dowdle seeks to build off of a healthy and solid 2023 campaign

Dec 24, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) rushes with / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys Running Back room is thin. Currently, Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn and Rico Dowdle are the top halfbacks on the Cowboys’ depth chart.

With the Cowboys significant needs at other spots, could they enter the season with Dowdle at the top of the depth chart?

After disappointing injuries in 2021 and 2022, Dowdle finally stayed heathy in 2023 serving as the primary backup to Tony Pollard. His 4.1 yards per carry was better than Pollard’s, and showed that he was capable of getting upfield and moving the pile. Dowdle also showed off his hands and versatility averaging over 8 yards a catch.

in 2024 Dowdle was set to be a free agent, but chose to resign with Dallas for just $1.26 million. He knows the Cowboys offensive system and if heathy, will seek to build on his solid 2023 stats and emerge given Pollard's exit in free agency to the Titans, who signed Pollard to a three-year, $24 million contract.

Dowdle's 2023 Season Rushing Stats

• 89 carries (ranked 54th in the league)
• 361 rushing yards (60th)
• 2 touchdowns (tied-59th)
• 4.1 average yards per carry (150+)
• 21 yards longest rush

Dowdle's 2023 Receiving Stats

• 17 catches
• 144 receiving yards
• 8.5 average yards per catch
• 2 TD's
• 32 yards longest catch

#Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle is in the lab 🧪

The 5th-year back is currently the team’s leading rusher and coming off a career season.

Dowdle had 505 total yds, 4 TDs, and a PFF elusive rating of 59.1 in 2023 (25th best among RBs)

(🎥: @ricodowdle on IG) pic.twitter.com/XXq7hav6SO

— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) April 13, 2024

With the Cowboys drafting 24th in the first round, could RB be an option? The odds from Fanduel dont believe so projecting o-line as the clear choice.

• Offensive Lineman -175
• Linebacker +470
• Defensive Lineman/Edge +500
• Wide Receiver +1100
• Cornerback +1100
• Quarterback +4500
• Tight End +6000
• Running Back +11000
• Safety +11000

Dowdle has proven himself to be a capable running back at the NFL level when he can remain healthy, and the Cowboys rewarded him by re-signing him this offseason. But Dowdle has never been asked to carry the workload of a RB1 and despite glimpses that Dowdle could emerge as a starter, its more then likely that the Cowboys draft a starting RB early in the NFL Draft and that Dowdle remains a valuable backup and special teams player. Relying on an oft injured and unproven back as your primary ground threat is too much of a risk for a Cowboys team with post season aspirations.

Dallas Cowboys 2024 Draft Picks

Round 1: No. 24 overall
Round 2: No. 56
Round 3: No. 87
Round 5: No. 174
Round 6: No. 216
Round 7: No. 233 (via Las Vegas)
Round 7: No. 244