Training camp is very close to going back to what it always was. July 21 is the date that Dallas will be able to begin its preparation in Oxnard because it will be part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 8. For that reason we will be analyzing the situation of each player according to their position. Today: running backs.
Who runs the ball on the ground has never been a concern for the Cowboys since the 2016 draft. However, last season left several doubts about the team’s star there. The current roster gives the possibility of having a very interesting 1-2. The remaining members will surely be part of the special teams if they are among the 53.
Full list of available players
Logically the most important name is Ezekiel Elliott. Behind him is Tony Pollard in search of a leading role. The two free agents signed last year as Rico Dowdle and Sewo Olonilua remain in the franchise. The position is completed by UDFAs JaQuan Hardy, Brenden Knox and Nick Ralston.
Those who have a secure place
Elliott obviously emerges as number one on the depth chart. Although unlike other seasons there is some uncertainty around his performance. The production it had in 2021 was surely affected by a badly damaged offensive line. However, it is also true that a lack of explosion was seen that raises some doubts about its potential.
His 979 rushing yards in 15 games were his career low. That statistic includes his second year in the NFL, when he missed six games to suspension. The four-yard-per-carry average is another indication that he will no longer be the workhorse in an offense that will now lean heavily on aerial attacks.
The other big fixture is Pollard. In his third season, he expects a jump in quality as a running back beyond what he can do when returning kicks. The RB was present in the 16 weeks with the highest percentage of snaps, but that was not enough to overcome the numbers he achieved as a rookie. Pollard is expected to be a change of pace from Zeke.
In the bubble
In this sector are those who competed to be the RB3 twelve months ago. Who has more chances to fill that role is Dowdle having been the one who won that battle last season. The competition will be mainly with Olonilua. The running back turned fullback will look to get a roster spot during training camp.
Few chances
The rest of the available options fall into this sector as undrafted free agents, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for them to be on the roster. Considering there will be preseason games this time, both Hardy and Knox could surprise the staff. In Ralston’s case, it might be a bit more difficult for being an H-back, although Mike McCarthy was very interested in that role before.
Job expectations
The Cowboys’ philosophy has changed dramatically since the hiring of Kellen Moore as coordinator. From being a team that first seeks to run, it became a fearsome unit by air. The wide receiver pool is the unquestionable strength, so running backs will have less participation than in recent years.
What is expected is reliability as a fundamental point. Avoiding deliveries of the ball is essential for Dallas to exploit its full potential on offense. There was Elliott’s most important flaw. If his six fumbles are repeated, perhaps hopeless performances will be seen again.
Big stats from Elliott or Pollard won’t be needed next season because of the tools that surround Dak Prescott. However, balance is essential for the proper functioning of any attack. The ceiling will be very high in case both of you can contribute on the ground efficiently.
