Mike McCarthy reveals surprise name shining in Cowboys running back room

As the Cowboys enter an Ezekiel Elliott-less era, Dallas fans will have to get used to someone other than No. 21 carrying the rock. Although it will be No. 20, Tony Pollard, most of the time, Mike McCarthy is also working with three younger running backs to supplement Pollard’s snaps.

On Monday, McCarthy opened up about his running back room, naming Rico Dowdle as a player he’s “loving” right now.

“I tell you, I’m loving Rico (Dowdle), and it’s great to have him back,” McCarthy said, via Michael Gehlken. “Malik (Davis) has taken that jump that you’re looking for. Those guys really jump out. Obviously, we’ve got to get Deuce (Vaughn) involved.”

Dowdle, an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina, didn’t record a snap for Dallas last season. However, in 2020, he had seven carries with 15 game appearances. A pending free agent this offseason, the Cowboys signed him to a one-year deal for $1.04 million in March to keep him with them. Going into his fourth season in the league, Dowdle is 25 years old.

Cowboys explore RB options behind Pollard

Alongside Rico Dowdle amongst the team’s returning players is Malik Davis. The former Florida Gators running back appeared in 12 games last season but carried the ball in just six. Another undrafted player, Davis has 38 carries as a rookie with 161 rushing yards and his first career touchdown. He also caught six passes for 63 yards.

Deuce Vaughn, a sixth-round selection for Dallas, is another player McCarthy is excited to get involved on offense, on top of potential kick return duties. Vaughn measured in at 5-foot-5 at this year’s NFL Combine, making him the shortest player measured in combine history.

What he lacks in size, he makes up for in speed, quickness, and versatility. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons for the Wildcats, also racking up 116 career receptions for 1,280 yards in his three seasons in Manhattan.

Besides Pollard, the Dallas Cowboys have two other running backs on the roster, including fullback Hunter Luepke. He and free agent pickup Ronald Jones are also in the mix, despite McCarthy’s failure to mention them on Monday.

By committee most likely, the Cowboys will need to replace 800+ yards that Elliott provided in the running game. Catching the ball is also a must. Although Elliott only had 17 catches last season, it’s clearly a skill the team values in its running backs.