The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff hopes are all but gone, and their season is essentially over. As they look to regroup for next year, the team has made a significant change at running back for the rest of the season, demoting former star Ezekiel Elliott in a notable shake-up.
The Cowboys’ running game has been a weak spot all year, ranking among the league’s worst. According to Matt Hladik of *The Spun*, the team entered the season relying on Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott as their primary backs, bypassing the opportunity to sign star free agent Derrick Henry. While Dowdle has performed reasonably well, Elliott, now 29, has struggled and reportedly faced criticism for “habitual tardiness” and other concerns.
Previously, the Cowboys had used a running back-by-committee approach, with Dowdle receiving slightly more touches. However, head coach Mike McCarthy announced Thursday that Dowdle will take over as the lead back, starting Monday night against the Houston Texans. Dowdle has been the more consistent performer, appearing in eight games (starting seven) and recording 374 rushing yards on 83 carries, 24 receptions for 166 yards, and three touchdowns, though he has yet to score on the ground. Meanwhile, Elliott has failed to make a significant impact.
Currently sitting at 3-6, the Cowboys are on pace for their first losing season since 2020 and only their second in the last 14 years. Despite the team’s struggles, McCarthy remains hopeful, saying, “We just need to stay the course, make sure we’re supporting the players, and focus on execution.” However, there is growing speculation that McCarthy’s job may be in jeopardy, even though team owner Jerry Jones has publicly backed him for now.
Fans have expressed frustration over the timing of this decision, believing the move to promote Dowdle should have come much earlier:
– “Took McCarthy long enough to realize that Rico Dowdle is giving you more than the rest of the room,” one fan remarked.
– “McCarthy should have done this in Week 1. It was clear as day in camp that Rico didn’t need to be shackled in a timeshare,” another added.
– “Finally declaring Rico Dowdle as the lead back after the season has fallen apart is peak Cowboys,” a fan joked.
Although the change is welcomed, many feel it comes far too late to salvage a season that has already unraveled.