What’s Rico’s Role? Cowboys’ Dowdle ‘Ready to Run’ with Tony Pollard

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle has overcome both injury and the odds to earn a prominent spot on the positional depth chart. Is he ready for the challenge?

With the Dallas Cowboys expected to field one of the most most explosive offenses in the NFL this season, running back Rico Dowdle is eager to make his mark on the team’s rushing attack. 

Despite an extensive injury history, which often threatened to derail his future in Dallas, Dowdle’s determination and perseverance have earned him a prominent spot behind lead back Tony Pollard on the positional depth chart. Accordingly, he seizing the opportunity to fully showcase his speed, agility, and power — perhaps for the first time since donning a Cowboys uniform. 

“Biggest opportunity of my life,” Dowdle told reporters in late August. “To back up [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. I’m looking forward to showing what I can do.”

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After going undrafted in 2020, Dowdle signed with the Cowboys as a rookie free agent, becoming one of ten rookies to make the final roster. Though he saw limited action in third-string duties in his first year — behind Pollard and former Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott, Dowdle entered 2021 determined to increase his role. Unfortunately, he suffered a hip injury in August which prematurely ended his season. Ill health continued to plague him into 2022, as an ankle injury limited his season to only five games. 

As such, many wondered whether the former South Carolina standout had played his final down in ‘Big D.’ Rather than fold under the weight of negative thought, Dowdle, instead, focused on giving maximum effort on every training camp snap. In three preseason games, the ex-Gamecock logged 14 carries for 59 yards and five catches on six targets for 42 yards and one touchdown. For his efforts, Dowdle was rewarded with a spot on the Cowboys initial 53-man roster — due as much to his strength of will as his on-field skill set. 

With Dowdle in the fold, Dallas’ running game behind Pollard. He, along with rookie sensation Deuce Vaughn, plus fullback Hunter Luepke provide a solid, and versatile rotation. With Ronald Jones suspended for the first two games of the campaign, Dowdle is expected to be the primary option as Pollard’s backup. 

As he has done continuously throughout his career, Dowdle has accepted the responsibility. Now, he will do what he does best … run with it.