The Cowboys have concluded their 2024 preseason, leaving several critical issues still up in the air. Star receiver CeeDee Lamb remains a holdout, MVP candidate Dak Prescott is without a new contract and might be heading toward free agency in 2025, and the future of the Cowboys’ ground game remains uncertain.
It appears that the running back situation will be managed by a committee, which may not be very effective. The preseason games, including the finale against the Chargers, provided little clarity on how this committee will be structured.
Ezekiel Elliott will retain the RB1 role due to his history with the Cowboys. Rico Dowdle, who showed promise last season, could take away some of Elliott’s carries. The competition also includes Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn, Royce Freeman, Snoop Conner, and Nathaniel Peat, all of whom had carries in the game against the Chargers.
It’s likely that two of these players, along with fullback Hunter Luepke, will make the final 53-man roster. Conner and Peat may end up on the practice squad, if they remain with the team at all. ESPN’s analysis suggests that Royce Freeman, a free-agent signee who had eight carries for 35 yards against the Chargers, might be the odd man out.
Predictions for Roster Spots
ESPN’s Cowboys beat writer Todd Archer has predicted that Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn will secure spots on the roster due to their special teams contributions and potential. Archer noted, “Veteran Royce Freeman may be caught in a numbers game. His skill set is similar to Elliott’s, making him less essential. Davis has had a strong summer and can contribute significantly on special teams. The coaches will need to find a role for Vaughn to justify his roster spot.”
The decision for the final spot will likely come down to Freeman, a traditional power back with a style similar to Elliott’s, and Vaughn, a smaller, agile back who has shown flashes of potential but may struggle to secure a regular role.
Freeman’s Position with the Team
Royce Freeman, 28, has six years of experience and had his best season as a rookie with the Broncos, rushing for 521 yards in 14 games. Last season, he served as a reserve for the Rams, recording 319 yards on 77 carries.
Team VP Stephen Jones had previously expressed enthusiasm for Freeman. Speaking to 105.3 “The Fan” in Dallas, Jones remarked, “Freeman has really impressed us. We were wondering why he was still available. He’s an intriguing player to have just been sitting out there.”
Jones indicated he expected Freeman to make the final roster, praising him as a strong backup and special teams player. “He’s a great two-three combination and complements Elliott well. We’ll see how the young guys like Dowdle and Davis compete,” Jones added.