The Dallas Cowboys have their top two running backs, but the third back could be a surprise pick for some. As fans know, the top two running backs will be Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle.

After the top two backs, it’s still a toss-up for the third guy. The preseason games could give us some insight into whom the coaching staff is looking to fit the hole at this position.

Running Backs on the Roster

There are several running backs vying for the third spot on the depth chart. Those players include Royce, Freeman, Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn, Snoop Conner, and Nathaniel Peat.

Out of all these running backs, it seems as though Royce Freeman has been given the title of third running back. Fans and the media giving him the crown may hold their horses a bit.

The preseason games are played to evaluate the players who could be beneficial to the team. The running backs have been the position where there has been one player getting more snaps than others.

Fans have watched Snoop Conner and Nathaniel Peat take snaps. Deuce Vaughn wasn’t able to play the first preseason game due to an injury, but could be back against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Royce Freeman and Hunter Luepke seem to be locks. Luepke, who has been training with tight ends, will be more of a factor this year as his route tree has increased.

After all these running backs, who is the man getting the most touches, the one to keep an eye on?

The running back to keep an eye on is Malik Davis.

Malik Davis the Dark Horse

Malik Davis is entering his third year with the Dallas Cowboys. He came into the league with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent from the University of Florida.

Malik Davis made it onto the active roster in 2022 of the Dallas Cowboys and had really good games. When he got touches during the 2022 season, he averaged 4.2 yards per carry with a touchdown on 38 touches.

The Dallas Cowboys have always liked their running backs to be multifaceted, and Malik Davis is no different. He can catch and will offer himself up for blocks.

The receiving portion of Davis’ game may be one of his more underrated characteristics. He caught six of seven targets for 63 yards, averaging 10.2 yards a reception. The 2022 season was a small sample of what he could be in the receiving game.

In 2023, Malik Davis was suited up for three games, but did not record any statistics. This was also when the Cowboys were force-feeding Tony Pollard, who was not himself last year.

The first preseason game this year against the Los Angeles Rams was not a great game for Malik Davis, but showed his versatility. Even though he was the team’s leading carrier at running back, he averaged 2.3 yards on eight carries for 18 yards.

Davis, however, showed off his versatility by being targeted in the passing game five times.

The lack of production didn’t fall entirely on Davis’ shoulders. The offensive game plan seemed to shift towards a pass-heavy approach, giving Trey Lance every opportunity to show his development. Not to mention, he was playing behind backup offensive linemen.

Expectations for Malik Davis

Malik Davis is expected to continue getting touches in the next preseason games. The touches, hopefully with some first string offensive lineman, will help Davis build his confidence.

Malik Davis isn’t the biggest back at 5’11” and 202 lbs, but he doesn’t need to be with Ezekiel Elliott leading the charge. Davis just needs to continue showing his versatility.

The coaching staff really likes Davis and this only helps him make the roster. This could also help him unseat Royce Freeman from the third spot.

They are beyond high on Maliek Davis. Think he’s elevated his game.

— Brad Sham (@Boys_Vox) August 10, 2024

If he gets the third spot, he will assuredly see touches as the Cowboys should be a running-back-by-committee. This committee will be heavy on Elliott and Dowdle, but the third guy will see the field.

The coach has plans, and we can find out where those plans are going by watching the next two preseason games. More playing time for the players fans have heard of means the staff is still evaluating the player.

Malik Davis can make an impact on this team if he can create a name for himself this preseason. If he gets the third spot, expect to see some big plays from this young man.