Breaking News: Dallas Cowboys Make Shocking Decision About Starting RB For Season Opener

REPORT: Dallas Cowboys Make Surprising Choice for Starting RB in Season Opener

The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for what could be the last run with their current roster, featuring key players like Dak Prescott at QB, CeeDee Lamb at WR, and defensive stars Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Trevon Diggs. The Cowboys have posted a 12-5 record for the past three seasons, but Prescott has struggled in critical moments, and last season, the top-3 defense was picked apart by Jordan Love and a youthful Packers offense.

With Lamb recently becoming the second-highest paid non-QB in the league, the Cowboys now face a decision regarding Prescott, who is in no rush to sign a contract he doesn’t favor, knowing he could be among the highest-paid QBs after 2024. Prescott consistently produces top-five numbers in the regular season, so a significant playoff run this year could compel Jerry Jones to offer him a lucrative deal.

However, the Cowboys’ front office made minimal changes to bolster the roster in the offseason. They lost key offensive linemen and allowed starting RB Tony Pollard to sign with the Titans. Prescott has excelled with a strong running back to complement his play, but with Ezekiel Elliott’s decline in recent years and his lackluster performance in New England last season, his return to Dallas hasn’t sparked much optimism.

After a disappointing showing in training camp, it’s clear that Elliott is not the player he once was. According to team insider Todd Archer of The Athletic, the Cowboys have decided to start 26-year-old Rico Dowdle as their RB1. Dowdle, an undrafted free agent from South Carolina who joined the Cowboys in 2020, is poised to lead the team in rushing attempts and yards, despite competition from Elliott and Dalvin Cook.

Dowdle saw limited action in his first three seasons but made more of an impact in 2023 with 385 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and 17 receptions for 144 yards. As the season unfolds, the Cowboys will find out if Dowdle can lighten Prescott’s load and improve their offensive efficiency.