The Cowboys cut RBs Royce Freeman and Malik Davis.

Related players: Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn

For about a week this summer, Freeman seemed to be the darling of the Cowboys backfield, but that quickly changed and those who follow the team pointed to Dowdle as the back who stood out the most at times in camp. Both Freeman and Davis could resign on the practice squad, however. While we don't know how the workload will be split, it looks like the Cowboys are going with Elliott and Dowdle. We do rank Elliott 34th and Dowdle 51st on our RB list.

It’s one day in pads but Rico Dowdle is the best RB here and there’s not a lot to argue about there.

Related players: Royce Freeman, Ezekiel Elliott, Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn

It was just a day ago it looked like, based on comments from Stephen Jones, Freeman may end up as the team's RB2 behind Elliott, and Dowdle might be battling with Davis to just make the final roster. It was just one day, but it's another example how quickly things can change. This will be a situation to watch because Elliott isn't expected to dominate the backfield like in days past, so the RB2 should have some fantasy value.

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said on 1053 The Fan that veteran RB Royce Freeman has “really impressed.”

“We were just talking about it last night at the scout dinner, ‘What in the hell was he doing sitting around out there?’ An interesting guy to just have been sitting there. He’s a great 2-3 combination in terms of what he can do as a backup. He’s a big, thick guy. And he’s a hell of a special teams player as well. He’ll be a good addition and great complement to (Ezekiel Elliott). And then we’ll let these young guys between (Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis) and those guys battle it out.”

The post said the Cowboys were surprised Freeman was available when they signed him to a one-year deal in April. This could be just talk, but the thought by many was the Zeke and Dowdle would be the Cowboys 1-2 punch at running back. However, the comment by Jones indicates that Freeman could have a much bigger role. For those of you in dynasty leagues, and Freeman is on the wire, he may be worth picking up just in case.

The Dallas Cowboys and RB Rico Dowdle have agreed to terms on a one-year deal to bring him back in 2024, the team can confirm.

Dowdle will be Dallas’ leading returning rusher after running for 361 yards last season in his first season in a prominent role.

Related Players: Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, Snoop Conner

As the depth start stands, Dowdle might be the best value on the board in current best ball drafts. Though the team is likely to add another piece in the NFL Draft, Dowdle is very much on fantasy radars here in March.

Cowboys waived RB Malik Davis, a person familiar with the decision said.

Related players: Rico Dowdle, Tony Pollard, Deuce Vaughn, Ronald Jones

In the end, Davis - who seemed like he had a chance to earn the RB2 job early on - trailed Dowdle and Vaughn this summer, but the team has interest in re-signing him to practice squad if he clears waivers, according to the rest of the post.

RB Ronald Jones has been suspended the first two games of the regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances, per a statement from an NFL spokesperson. Jones is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games. He will be allowed to return to the Cowboys' active roster on Monday, Sept. 18, following the team’s Week 2 game against the New York Jets.

Related Players: Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn

An already-thin Cowboys backfield becomes thinner. Per beat reporters, Jones was likely in the lead for backup duties behind Tony Pollard, but this puts a wrench in that. While Davis or Vaughn could now have an increased workload, the team also might start kicking the tires on Dalvin Cook or Leonard Fournette as well. A FA signing may help lower the draft cost for Pollard, which would make him even more valuable.

The Cowboys have agreed to a deal with RB Ronald Jones, who visited The Star Monday. Jones spent last year with KC after a four-year run with Tampa Bay.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis

Ronald Jones logged 40 snaps on a 2022 Chiefs team that was looking for a consistent answer at the running back position all year long. There is a very good chance that Jones is back in free agency by the time Summer comes along.

Cowboys RB Tony Pollard (thigh) will be inactive tonight against the Titans.

Related Players: Ezekiel Elliott, Malik Davis

NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo has called this a breakout game for Malik Davis, who the team is high on. Whether or not this hyperbole could be debated, but the Titans are sitting a ton of starters, so there could be something to his statement. Elliot is a locked-in RB2, regardless.

Tony Pollard is going to really have to show the Cowboys he can go tonight in his pregame workout. If not, they’ll exercise caution and sit him. Malik Davis would then see an increased role behind Ezekiel Elliott.

It's hard to say exactly what kind of a role Malik Davis would have tonight, but the Cowboys are 12.5-point favorites, so you have to wonder how long they'll keep Zeke in the game if that game script plays out. If Pollard sits, Elliot should be a confident RB2, but you would have to be in a desperate mode to play Davis in your Flex during Championship Week.

With the Cowboys expected to be without Ezekiel Elliott on Sunday vs. the Bears, Tony Pollard is in line to see significant work in his fourth career start. Malik Davis, Qadree Ollison may both be brought up Saturday from the practice squad; the Cowboys have had three RBs active each game so far.

It's been a while since Tony Pollard's most recent official start (12/20/2020), but the 18 touches and 132 scrimmage yards he accrued would be a nice fantasy boost here in Week 8, 2022. He is currently ranked as a top-ten option against a Bears defense that ranks 26th in aFPA to the running back position.