During the preseason, the Cowboys looked like they had the running back position figured out. All-Pro back Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard were locked to be the starters while Rico Dowdle had an eye-opening camp and preseason, once again earning the No. 3 spot. Fullback Sewo Olonilua was nestled into the role of No. 4 back with a shot to make the roster.
First Olonilua was lost for the season early in camp. Then Dowdle went down with a hip injury that sent him to season-ending IR following the exhibition against the Houston Texans. After that, the depth chart was slim with the three remaining candidates being waived during roster cuts for the final 53. Dallas found their No. 3 back on Wednesday, signing former two-time division rival running back Corey Clement.
Running back Corey Clement, who was released by the NY Giants, will be joining the Cowboys, according to multiple sources. He fills a need as the No. 3 running back behind Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard. Has a special teams background from his years with the Philadelphia Eagles.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 1, 2021
Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Clement had 142 carries for 580 yards in his first two seasons in the NFL. Notably, the Wisconsin product was huge in Philidelphia’s Super Bowl LII win, scoring a touchdown with 100 receiving yards to boot. Things have gone downhill for Clement’s snaps since, though, seeing no carries in 2019 and just 21 in 2020. After a short stint with the Giants during training camp, he finds his way to another NFC East team.
His key role however will be on special teams. He plays on all four coverage units and had 265 snaps on teams in 2020.
The 5-foot-10, 220 pounder has over 750 special teams snaps across his career.
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