To make room last week for the Cowboys to sign linebacker Malik Jefferson, they cut running back JaQuan Hardy. They now have five on the roster, Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, and Aaron Shampklin.
Could one of those three players emerge as the reserve running back and fill the role on the depth chart, or may we see someone else get the chance?
Dowdle was almost a lock to have the role last season until his year ended with a hip fracture in the third preseason game. The Cowboys would soon add veteran free agent Corey Clement to fill the depth chart. If Dowdle can be ready to go after a knee scope procedure sidelined him earlier this offseason, he might be the guy who takes that spot.
With that said, let’s not overlook the Cowboys signed both Davis and Shampklin as undrafted free agents with the hopes both could compete for a roster spot in training camp.
Davis is a product of the University of Florida. In his career, he racked up 1,470 on 284 carries. He was also a threat in the passing game for the Gators during his last two seasons. Davis caught 54 balls for 594 yards.
Shampklin was a 2021 unanimous First-Team All-Ivy League running back at Harvard. He led the team with 842 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns, which was tied for the eighth-highest in the FCS.
The NFL season is long. Elliott or Pollard might have to miss a game or a few quarters throughout the 17-game season…. (I hope not). Doing so would result in whoever is holding down the reserve spot moving up and possibly called upon to take some Important carries.
It will be interesting to see what these guys can bring to the table in training camp in an attempt to make the roster. Even if Davis or Shampklin don’t make the team, the NFL has extended the practice squad size to 16 players, which is a great opportunity for younger players to continue improving.
The question still remains…. Will one of these three take over as the third running back, or will we see a veteran free agent back be brought in and signed?