'Biggest Opportunity of My Life!' Rico Dowdle Running to Cowboys No. 2 Job?

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle knows the opportunity that's in front of him, and he has every intention of winning the backup role behind Tony Pollard.

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle knows what is in front of him. As the team works its way through training camp, the position behind Tony Pollard has yet to be filled.

With Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn, Dowdle, and Hunter Leupke all vying for that coveted No. 2 role, the upcoming preseason games will separate the contenders, and Dowdle knows precisely what he has to do.

"Yes, I've got the opportunity to [be the No. 2 back], he said. "It's all set in stone for me and I just have to go out there and win my job, and keep doing what I'm doing. Everything else will take care of itself."

​With the path to the No. 2 running back job up in the air, the opportunity that has now been presented due to Ezekiel Elliott no longer being with the team is one that doesn't come around too often.

Dowdle was involved in five games last season before injury struck, and now with no Elliott on the roster and a chance to make the position his own, Dowdle is under no illusions about how big the opportunity is.

"Biggest opportunity of my life," Dowdle said. "To back up [Tony Pollard] and get that No. 2 spot, I've been here four years so I'm looking for the competition and the battle, and the opportunity that comes with it being in that No. 2 role. Looking forward to showing what I can do."

Dowdle will get his chance to show the Cowboys coaching staff that he is worth a spot on the 53-man roster with three preseason games on the schedule, starting Saturday against visiting Jacksonville.

Some players use these games to ease their way into the regular season, but for Rico, it will be all gas and no brakes as he looks to put his best foot forward in the hope that he lands the backup role behind Pollard.

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