Cowboys running backs Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn dealing with hamstring injuries ahead of Rams joint practice

The Dallas Cowboys are trying to work out their running back-by-committee plan this preseason, but injuries are not making it easy. Ahead of the team’s joint practice with the LA Rams on Thursday, which precedes the team’s preseason game on Sunday, Mike McCarthy shared that running backs Royce Freeman and Deuce Vaughn are banged up. Both are dealing with hamstring injuries, though Freeman’s status is more positive than Vaughn, who won’t practice Tuesday.

Freeman, a new addition to the Cowboys via free agency this offseason, has the opportunity to separate himself as a feature back in an offense that will showcase several.

“We’re gonna look on Royce before we go out today,” McCarthy said. “Deuce isn’t going to go. They were able to go through all eight installs, but you certainly want to see them work on those things… It’s missed opportunities but it’s part of our game.”

Freeman has spent the majority of his NFL career as a backup and third-down running back. Still, he has nine starts to his name while playing in a total of 79 games. Over his career, he has amassed 471 carries for 1792 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. He can also be used as a weapon out of the backfield, as he has 86 receptions for 532 yards and one receiving touchdown.

Vaughn searching for role on active roster

Meanwhile, Vaughn, who is going into his second year in the league, is looking to cement a role for himself. This summer, he worked on expanding his utility by practicing on certain days with the team’s slot receivers.

“I talked to Schotty (Brian Schottenheimer) about getting with that slot, getting with Brandin Cooks and learning more about the spot,” Vaughn said in June. “It’s one of the things I did in college and one of the things I love to do, and it adds value.”

In seven games last season, the sixth-round RB had 23 carries for 40 yards, as well as seven catches for 40 yards. For added value, he also had four punt return attempts.

Joint practice with Rams on Thursday before preseason game

In a departure from their routine last season, the Cowboys are opting to hold joint team practices with the LA Rams this year. The two teams face off in the first preseason game on Sunday, which makes the Rams the logical choice, though the Cowboys also play the LA Chargers in the preseason as well.

By holding joint practices with the Rams earlier in the preseason, the players will get a taste of facing unfamiliar foes sooner, rather than later.

The Cowboys’ preseason game against the Rams will be played in SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. After playing the Rams, they’ll face the Raiders and the Chargers before opening the regular season against the Cleveland Browns on the road.

So far, the Cowboys and Rams have met up for 28 preseason matchups in their history. The Rams have won 16 games, while the Cowboys have won 12. In the 38 games that the two teams have played that actually matter, Dallas has won 20 and the Rams have won 18.