Cowboys place running back on IR, activate rookie from COVID-19 list

The Dallas Cowboys have placed running back Rico Dowdle on the injured reserve list with a hip injury, according to NBC Sports. He ranked No. 11 in the NFL in preseason rushing yards with 99 on 22 carries over the first three weeks. Dowdle is not eligible to return from the injured reserve list this season since he was added to the list before the start of the regular season.

Dowdle was listed third on the Cowboys depth chart, behind three-time Pro Bowler Ezekiel Elliott and third-year backup Tony Pollard. The only other running backs on the Cowboys roster are undrafted rookies JaQuan Hardy and Brenden Knox.

The Dallas Cowboys also placed fullback Sewo Olonilua on injured reserve last week with a neck injury. Undrafted rookie Nick Ralston has served as his replacement.

NBC Sports indicates that the IR moves could make the Cowboys a player on the waiver wire or in free agency over the next couple weeks as they finalize the roster. Notable free agent running backs include Le’Veon Bell, Todd Gurley and Duke Johnson.

COVID-19 reserve list moves

The Dallas Cowboys made several COVID-19 reserve list additions last week after defensive coordinator Dan Quinn tested positive for the virus. Rookie sixth round pick Israel Mukuamu, who is vaccinated, was removed from the list after testing negative.

High-risk close contacts must isolate five days if unvaccinated. Fully vaccinated players and coaches do not need to isolate after exposure.

Vaccinated individuals who test positive can return once they have two consecutive negative tests 24 hours apart. Unvaccinated players who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for at least 10 days.

The Cowboys still have five players on the COVID-19 reserve list after coming in close contact. In addition to Quinn, left guard Connor Williams, free safety Damontae Kazee and defensive tackle Carlos Watkins have tested positive, per NBC Sports.

The other two players who remain out but do not have confirmed positive tests are wide receiver Ceedee Lamb and safety Malik Hooker.

Dallas announced recently that 93% of their players are vaccinated, while all members of their coaching staff have been vaccinated. The team has been holding virtual meetings in attempt to limit the spread within the team.

The Cowboys play their fourth and final preseason game on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They open the regular season on Sept. 9 against Tampa Bay in the NFL’s first Thursday Night Football game of the season.