Team news: Dallas Cowboys | Page 5

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.

Rico Dowdle, an undrafted, 26-year-old running back, functioned as the Cowboys No. 2 running back behind Tony Pollard in 2023 at the age of 25, but in 2024, there's the chance he may end up leading Dallas in carries in the regular season.

"Definitely, he's had a good off season, looks great," HC Mike McCarthy said at Cowboys OTAs on May 30. "You know, I think just like anytime these guys have a chance to really hone in their training. So, Rico's done an excellent job there. Very comfortable [with him]. He's very, very bright, very instinctive football player. So, he's definitely one of the the lead lead guys in the room as far as his experience here, but also his understanding of the offense."

Related players: Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn

Dowdle was listed among five potential Cowboys breakout candidates for this coming season. Dowdle compared his running style to Elliott's, just smaller in size, and he believes he is more of an all-around RB. In the story, Elliott said he views himself as a starter but also wants to keep himself fresh for a stretch run and potential playoff run, meaning Dowdle could get significant work in the offense. The Cowboys RB situation is just one of many things to keep an eye on this offseason.

Dak Prescott gives an update on why he was recently wearing a walking boot. He says there’s “absolutely nothing” wrong with his ankle.

Related Players: Cooper Rush, Trey Lance

The QB dismissed concerns about his surgically-repaired ankle, writing off soreness due to a couple hard practices. It seems like the boot was more precautionary than anything, but it's a situation we'll keep an eye on.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, spotted here in a protective walking boot, is dealing with a very minor foot sprain and has been for a few days. It’s not considered to be anything that should affect his preparation for 2024.

Related Players: Cooper Rush, Trey Lance

A walking boot doesn't sound especially "minor", but we'll keep an eye out for updates over the next week. Former first round pick Trey Lance could be an interesting stash for deep Dynasty leagues where he remains on the waiver wire.

Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports that Lamb is not expected to report to training camp in Oxnard, California if he has not come to an agreement with the team on a new pact. The Cowboys hold their first training camp practice on July 25.

Related Players: Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, Ryan Flournoy

A little extra work for third-year Jalen Tolbert would be promising after he finished his first two seasons with a combined 24 receptions. While we don't expect Lamb to miss any regular season time, we'll keep an eye on the situation.

Cowboys star WR CeeDee Lamb has not been spotted in Dallas for mandatory minicamp. Lamb has not been present for voluntary OTAs, but is not reporting to minicamp, which subjects a player to fines.

Lamb seeks a new contract extension.

This is always a tricky path in fantasy, as we've seen holdouts last into the regular season, and that puts a question mark on his value in drafts. Lamb is the WR1 in current 4for4 Rankings, but missing time will obviously put a damper on that. We'll keep an eye on the situation throughout the offseason.

CeeDee Lamb's absence has opened up opportunities for the Cowboys' young wide receivers, such as Jalen Tolbert, their third-round pick in 2022. After releasing Michael Gallup earlier in the offseason and not addressing the position yet with a known commodity in free agency or early in the draft, Tolbert has the chance to take the No. 3 role behind Lamb and Brandin Cooks.

Related Players: Ryan Flournoy

Tolbert has had modest numbers through his first two professional seasons and was inactive for nine games during his rookie year. If he locks in the WR3 job he could be an interesting dart throw late in drafts.

Cowboys TE Luke Schoonmaker has a hamstring injury that is expected to sideline him throughout OTAs. He underwent shoulder surgery this offseason. Hamstring is now what is keeping him off the field. He missed his 2023 rookie spring with foot injury.

Related Players: Jake Ferguson

It seems likely that Ferguson will have the easy nod as the TE1 once again this season. He is currently ranked as a fringe top-10 option in our rankings.

Running back Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms, pending a physical that will bring the multi-time former Pro Bowler back, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Monday morning.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Royce Freeman

While we figure that Elliott will be part of a rotation this season, it's hard to imagine the team went through the NFL Draft without selecting an option just to grab their former RB1 and keep him on the bench. If you're targeting a back on the Cowboys, it should be Elliott, but it may be better to take a wait-and-see approach over the next few months.