While the Dallas Cowboys came up short in their first preseason game their running backs certainly weren't to blame. As Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, and Aaron Shampklin continue battling for a roster spot, a few key factors will go a long way to deciding who makes the team.
All three of these RB hopefuls looked good in Denver. Dowdle, who missed last year with a hip injury, restored confidence in his health and potential. He was decisive with his running lanes and created extra yards against the Broncos' primary backups.
Malik Davis and Aaron Shampklin, both undrafted rookies, also shined with their carries. Davis led the team with 51 rushing yards on just eight carries. Shampklin added 32 yards on seven carries; everyone looked effective with their opportunities.
More carries are on the way tonight as the Cowboys meet the Chargers in Los Angeles. With Ezekiel Elliott not playing in preseason games and Tony Pollard likely getting limited work at the most, the guys fighting for jobs should get a decent workload in these last two games to help management make their decision.
Is it a simple matter of the best ball carrier winning the job? That's certainly a big factor, but the RB3 role generally comes with things that Zeke and Pollard don't have to be as concerned with.
Special teams are a huge issue for these contenders. Barring injury, you may not see these guys at all on offense outside of garbage time or a meaningless regular-season finale.
Back in 2019, Pollard's rookie season, Dallas didn't even keep a third RB but just had Tony, Zeke, and Jamize Olawale at fullback. Olawale had enough ability as a rusher and receiver to be the emergency RB3, but his standout work on special teams was a big part of the equation.
This is one area where Davis and Shampklin are going to have put in some work to upstage Dowdle. Rico established himself as a versatile asset in 2020 both in coverage units and as a kick returner. He was almost guaranteed to make last year's roster before the injury.
However, unlike in past years, there's a new element in this conversation. Now we're looking at 2023 and the possibility of major personnel changes at running back.
Tony Pollard's contract expires after this year. And while Ezekiel Elliott still has four years left on his deal after this one, talk that he could be a cap casualty next offseason is already rampant.
If the Cowboys are considering life without Zeke and/or Pollard in 2023 and beyond, that may change how they assess these backup options. It could add more weight to someone's offensive skills over special teams; potentially welcome news to a guy like Malik Davis.
Even if Dallas plans to stick with one of their current star running backs the other will likely be gone next year. Does that mean Davis, Dowdle, and Shampklin are auditioning for a shot at RB2 in the future?
Granted, future draft picks or free agents could also fill the needs. But if the Cowboys can find a contributor from the undrafted ranks then that generally helps the salary cap for several seasons.
Tonight in Los Angeles will provide another glimpse of our running back prospects. Will any of them take a dramatic step forward in the competition? That's one of the many areas of intrigue as this preseason continues.
