Rico Dowdle: Yards Piling Up, Future In Doubt At RB For Cowboys

When Rico Dowdle signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2019, few expected him to make much of an impact. But in the years since, Dowdle has quietly become one of the most productive running backs on the team, averaging over 5 yards per carry and scoring 5 touchdowns in his career. However, despite his success on the field, Dowdle's future with the Cowboys is uncertain. With Ezekiel Elliott entrenched as the team's lead running back and Tony Pollard emerging as a star in his own right, Dowdle may be forced to look for a new home in 2023.

Dowdle's Production on the Field

There is no doubting Dowdle's production on the field. In his three seasons with the Cowboys, he has rushed for 579 yards and 5 touchdowns on just 114 carries. That's an average of 5.1 yards per carry, which is well above the NFL average. Dowdle has also shown some ability as a receiver, catching 21 passes for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Dowdle's most impressive season came in 2021, when he rushed for 348 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 74 carries. He also caught 13 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle's performance in 2021 earned him a spot on the Cowboys' 53-man roster, and he is expected to play a significant role in the team's offense in 2022.

The Cowboys' Running Back Depth Chart

The Cowboys have one of the deepest running back depth charts in the NFL. Ezekiel Elliott is one of the best running backs in the league, and Tony Pollard is a rising star. Dowdle is third on the depth chart, but he is a capable runner who can contribute in a variety of ways.

However, the Cowboys' running back depth chart could be in flux in 2023. Elliott is entering the final year of his contract, and there is no guarantee that he will re-sign with the team. Pollard is also entering the final year of his contract, and he could be in line for a big payday next offseason.

If Elliott or Pollard leave the Cowboys in 2023, Dowdle could be in line for a starting role. However, he will need to continue to produce at a high level in order to earn the trust of the coaching staff.

Dowdle's Future With the Cowboys

Dowdle's future with the Cowboys is uncertain. He is a talented running back, but he is stuck behind two of the best running backs in the NFL. If Elliott or Pollard leave the Cowboys in 2023, Dowdle could be in line for a starting role. However, he will need to continue to produce at a high level in order to earn the trust of the coaching staff.

Another possibility is that Dowdle could be traded by the Cowboys. If the Cowboys decide that they do not have a long-term future for Dowdle, they could trade him to another team for a draft pick or other compensation.

Regardless of what happens, Dowdle's future with the Cowboys is uncertain. He is a talented running back, but he is stuck behind two of the best running backs in the NFL. Only time will tell what the future holds for Dowdle.

Conclusion

Rico Dowdle is a talented running back who has shown the ability to produce at a high level. However, his future with the Cowboys is uncertain. He is stuck behind two of the best running backs in the NFL, and his contract is expiring after the 2023 season. It remains to be seen if Dowdle will be able to earn a starting role with the Cowboys, or if he will be forced to look for a new home in 2024.