'Weakness as a Weapon'? Cowboys In Pads RB Camp Evaluations

Now that Ezekiel Elliott's time in Dallas has seemingly come to an end, the Cowboys have a decision to make regarding their next primary backup. Luckily, they have options behind Tony Pollard, as they demonstrate in Oxnard.

The Dallas Cowboys offense has long been accented by Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. This season will be the first since both players were drafted in 2016 that they aren't in camp together, as Elliott is a free agent seeking refuge elsewhere. So where does that leave the Cowboys at running back behind Tony Pollard?

In a place where a perceived "weakness'' may be a "weapon.''

Who is RB2 Now that Elliott is gone? 

“I tell you, I’m loving Rico Dowdle," Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on Monday. "It’s great to have him back. Malik Davis has taken that jump that you’re looking for. Those guys really jump out. Obviously, we’ve got to get Deuce Vaughn involved, [too]."

Tony Pollard, Ronald Jones & Deuce Vaughn during running back drills. pic.twitter.com/FvWErSblrZ

— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) July 26, 2023

The coach didn't make a big deal of including vet Ronald Jones (as he is now facing a two-game NFL suspension) or UDFA rookie Hunter Luepke (positioned way down on the depth chart.)

Not all of them can earn the primary backup position, however, which is what Dallas needs to consider. The 5-5 Vaughn provides shifty athleticism without size — something that allowed him to excel at the college level — but does bring about concerns regarding how transferable his skill set can be. He's minimized the latter, though, by proving himself in practice drills. And he is showing some of that at camp.

As position coach Jeff Blasko said via our Bri Amaranthus in Oxnard, "His lack of stature, which many consider a weakness - He uses it as a weapon. He gets lost ... combined with his instincts ... He does some unique things."

Cowboys RB Deuce Vaughn is a matchup problem.

"His lack of stature, which many consider a weakness - He uses it as a weapon. He gets lost... combined with his instincts... He does some unique things."

-RB coach Jeff Blaskohttps://t.co/W7NZP5Xjh2 #DallasCowboys @fishsports pic.twitter.com/NIEutsjWN0

— Bri Amaranthus (@BriAmaranthus) August 2, 2023

Dowdle and Davis sit in a similar boat, impressing spectators during practice, but they both have some experience, which is important for two reasons. One being their exposure to McCarthy, and the other being special teams.

"When you have different traits in any position room, the conversation jumps ahead to special teams," McCarthy said. "That's really what it's going to come down to, the importance of their role not only just on offense but on special teams." 

Both Dowdle and Davis had special-teams reps last season as well, putting them seemingly in front of the incoming rookie, but with Vaughn's "unique'' agility, will it be enough? 

However it's spun, there is a tough decision facing the Cowboys. Deciding who earns the RB2 spot could be the difference between a player making the roster entirely. But there's also an upside to it. Having options as a backup isn't the worst problem to have. In fact, it may not be a problem at all. 

Dallas will just have to see who steps up to replace the production lost from Elliott, and who can give them the best shot at improving next season by "weaponizing'' what the Cowboys have.

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