In a shift that many Dallas Cowboys fans have anticipated, head coach Mike McCarthy has officially named Rico Dowdle as the team’s lead running back. Ahead of their primetime clash with the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football, Dallas will now rely on Dowdle, moving away from a running back-by-committee strategy.
The decision, announced Thursday, marks a notable change in the Cowboys’ approach to their backfield. Veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott, who has struggled this season and was recently inactive due to disciplinary issues, will no longer serve as a focal point in the rotation.
“Definitely, you have to get him the ball. That’s my focus to continue to get him opportunities. He’s the lead back,” McCarthy told the press, per Clarence Hill of All City DLLS.
Dowdle’s recent performances highlight why this change was needed. In Week 9, he showcased his ability with 75 yards on 12 carries, adding 53 yards on another 12 carries in last week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. His versatility has also been crucial, contributing with 24 receptions and three receiving touchdowns this season, providing Dallas with a valuable dual threat in both the ground and air attack.
While the Cowboys had initially relied on Elliott’s experience, it became clear through the first half of the season that Dowdle was the more effective choice. Elliott’s struggles to gain traction and his recent absence emphasized the need for a consistent offensive focal point, a role Dowdle has stepped into with determination.
With this shift in strategy, the Cowboys appear focused on capitalizing on Dowdle’s rising productivity, which may inject new energy into their offense as they aim to revive their season. All eyes will be on Dowdle and his performance as the Cowboys try to stabilize their playoff aspirations against the Texans on Monday night.
