Rico Dowdle Named Cowboys Lead Running Back

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has officially named Rico Dowdle as the team's lead running back, ending the previous running back-by-committee approach. Dowdle has been the most productive back, leading the team with 374 rushing yards on 83 carries, despite Dallas' overall struggles in the running game, averaging just 83.7 rushing yards per game, the second-lowest in the NFL. McCarthy emphasized the need to get Dowdle the ball more, as he has shown efficiency and potential in recent games. Meanwhile, veteran Ezekiel Elliott, who started the season as the lead back, has been less effective, averaging a career-low 3.2 yards per carry. As the Cowboys deal with numerous injuries, including the loss of quarterback Dak Prescott for the season, they hope focusing on Dowdle will improve their offensive performance. The shift in strategy comes as the Cowboys aim to rebound from a challenging start to the season, highlighted by a 3-6 record and four consecutive losses.