Cowboys running backs, a different season with a familiar approach

Is Dallas OK With Travelling this road once again?

The answer to that question will likely come at some point this season.

It does feel like deja vu to a certain degree. The roster breakdown between the receiver position last season and the running backs this season is eerily similar.

As with Gallup last season, Dallas is waiting for an injured player to return, Tony Pollard, who will be heavily relied upon.

Now that Zeke has left the building, Pollard projects to be the lead running back.

A broken ankle is simpler to return from than a torn ACL, but there is still some uncertainty when determining if a player will regain their pre-injury form.

The acquisition of Ronald Jones shouldn’t calm any concerns.

This acquisition is comparable to the James Washington signing last season. Both were previous 2nd round picks in their respective draft classes.

By default, the Dallas Cowboys have positioned Jones as the second or third fiddle in that running back position group. Prayerfully, the injury bug bypasses this team in OTAs and training camps, but there is no guarantee.

Admittedly, the mindset is pessimistic at best, but it is a thought that should be on the minds of the Cowboys’ executives.

The depth behind both Pollard and Jones could stand to be improved.

Malik Davis, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Hunter Luepke will compete for roles on the team and may be more effective than any free agent on the market.

If Pollard has any setbacks (no indication that he has) or Jones reverts to the player two previous teams walked away from, one of those above-mentioned players will have to step in.

That is a lot to ask for any 2nd-year player, much less an undrafted prospect.

However, it was the same approach for Tolbert, Houston, and Fehoko. The late addition of T.Y. Hilton last season was too little too late.

At this juncture, Dallas may have few options to maneuver through.

Revisiting a Dallas-Elliott reunion could be in the cards. If not, America’s team will have to bank on less secure options at the running back position.

It’s a long road if they choose to travel, but they have been there before.