Rico Dowdle

The Dallas Cowboys have released RB Malik Davis from their roster amid cutdowns. An undrafted free agent coming out of Florida in 2022, Davis provided solid depth as a rookie, amassing over 220 all-purpose yards. He was also the presumptive handcuff to Tony Pollard coming into training camp; however, that changed during the preseason. Rico Dowdle and impressive rookie Deuce Vaughn seemingly passed him on the depth chart and will provide depth behind starting RB Pollard.

While Vaughn truthers are rejoicing today, it is likely Dowdle who will take over the No. 2 running back duties in Dallas. A three-year veteran, Dowdle hasn’t actually played in an NFL game since his rookie campaign in 2020. Nonetheless, he has impressed enough in camp to warrant a significant role in this backfield in 2022. Tony Pollard doesn’t have the build to take on a large workload, and Dowdle may carve out a regular part of the offense.

Dowdle will be rostered in fantasy leagues though for the handcuff value he provides in what will be one of the league’s best offenses. If anything were to happen to Pollard, Dowdle would immediately enter the conversation as a top 15 fantasy running back. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Deuce Vaughn as well. After making the initial roster, the Cowboys appear to see something in the undersized running back from Kansas State. Vaughn doesn’t have the body to take on a large workload, but he could be highly efficient in the touches he does receive.