Rico Dowdle got his chance, and he’s one of the best in the league

Jerry Jones may have missed on Derrick Henry, but the Cowboys had the answer all along.

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle runs with the ball as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Ivey defends. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

There have been very few bright spots for the Dallas Cowboys this season, but one player proves to be a key piece moving forward.

Rico Dowdle was the best back on the roster all season long, but the team only recently made him the featured back. Since he got the opportunity, Dowdle has been excelling.

In fact, he's been one of the league's best.

MORE: Stephen Jones starts gaslighting Cowboys fans looking ahead to 2025 offseason

Dowdle is second in rushing yards since Week 9, and has one of the best yards per carry averages in the NFL.

Since Week 9, here are the Top 2 leading rushers in the NFL:

1. Saquon Barkley (857 yards)
2. Rico Dowdle (485 yards)

Dowdle is also 3rd in yards per carry during that same stretch (5.22)

(stat via @dallascowboys) pic.twitter.com/QsTZkb69h6

— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) December 12, 2024

The news has put a damper on the team drafting a running back in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and has also helped erase the pain of not chasing Derrick Henry.

The season may be lost, but Dallas has a key piece moving forward.

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