'Easy Does It!' Tony Pollard Cowboys Camp Update; Who's Backup RB?

The Dallas Cowboys have Tony Pollard ... and plenty of in-house options for their backup running back position as they get to camp work here in Oxnard.

OXNARD, Calif. - Dallas Cowboys training camp is here. The team is expected to make waves this season, but first it has to work out some wrinkles.

With the departure of Ezekiel Elliott, the team still needs to find a backup running back for Tony Pollard. They paved the path for him to take over as the full-time starter, and on Wednesday, he updated his status following his leg injury in the playoffs.

“I’m feeling pretty good right now, pretty much at 100 percent,'' Pollard told @1053thefan. "At this point, it’s just on me and the trainers, communicating, being smart, not rushing anything, not getting out there and going full speed too early. Just easing back into it.”

No surprise there. Other questions will be answered soon. Whether the Cowboys make a move and sign a running back off the free agency market - which is not the plan at the time - or spot some talent at camp, the team will get a grasp on what they've got for the regular season.

At a glance, it appears as if Malik Davis could assume the backup running back role, but it's certainly not a safe position to be in. He backed up Pollard and Elliott last season. He got 38 touches on the ground for a total of 161 yards and one touchdown in his first season.

There's competition for Davis, though. Ronald Jones, Deuce Vaughn, Rico Dowdle and Hunter Luepke will all be looking to fight for the backup position. 

Vaughn is an fun option to get plenty of snaps next season. Heading into his rookie season, the sixth-round pick provides versatility to an offense that could benefit greatly from it. 

The 5-6 running back is a playmaker and can work well with space. He's a great check down target for Dak Prescott, who is looking to cut down his turnovers this season. The short game isn't lost on Vaughn, either, as he can grind out a few yards if needed. 

Obviously, at 176 pounds, size will be a question mark for Vaughn, but if he's going to get over that hurdle, training camp and preseason provide a great opportunity to do so. 

Of course, there's a variety of ways the Kansas State product can be beneficial to the squad, as he's a potential kick return guy and can line up as a fifth receiver in the slot. CowboysSI.com has been told that the team doesn't plan to cut Vaughn ... but that could mean he ends up as the No. 3 back.

Either way, watching how the Cowboys address the running back position here in training camp and preseason will be interesting. ... and if Pollard happens to go down, will be important.

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