The Cowboys are bringing a familiar face back into the fold at running back, reportedly coming to terms with Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, a former undrafted free agent from South Carolina, has spent the previous three seasons in Dallas, serving primarily on special teams.
The 24-year-old running back has had an injury-filled career in the NFL, much like his time in college. After a strong 2020 season where he logged 201 special teams snaps, Dowdle suffered a hip injury that ended his 2021 campaign before the season even started.
Dowdle came back in 2022 and picked up right where he let off. His solid special teams play earned him a roster spot but an ankle injury five games in landed him back on IR and prematurely ended his season once again.
With Ezekiel Elliott no longer in Dallas, opportunities are there for aspiring running backs. Tony Pollard is expected to hold the lead role in 2023 but behind him snaps are going to be available. The upcoming draft class is regarded as one of the deeper running back classes in some time.
Cowboys re-signed RB Rico Dowdle, his agency announced. Team been high on Dowdle, who has dealt with injuries the past two years. https://t.co/eo1TlRHJ3i
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 21, 2023
The Cowboys also recently hosted Ronald Jones as a potential depth piece at running back. 2022’s RB3, Malik Davis, figures to challenge for a bigger role as well this coming season. Dowdle is just another name added to the challenger list for 2023.
Special teams will likely, once again, determine Dowdle’s future in Dallas. It was enough to get him on the active roster twice before and it could be enough to get him on it once more in 2023.
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