Is Malik Davis, Ronald Jones, Or Deuce Vaughn The Cowboys RB2 Behind Tony Pollard? Fantasy Football Outlook

The Dallas Cowboys have always had an elite running game. Dallas has had several Hall of Fame running backs, including Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett. Meanwhile, Ezekiel Elliott could join that duo in the Hall of Fame.

However, the Cowboys released the veteran running back this offseason. Tony Pollard was coming off a career year in 2022, and the team placed the franchise tag on the explosive running back.

Pollard will take over as the clear-cut starter with Elliott off the roster. However, the young star is coming off a fractured fibula. Meanwhile, Malik Davis and Ronald Jones will compete with the rookie Deuce Vaughn for the No. 2 role behind Pollard.

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What Did The Cowboys Running Backs Accomplish Last Year?

Last year Davis didn’t have much of an impact on offense behind Elliott and Pollard. Yet, the undrafted free agent rookie had 38 rushing attempts for 161 yards and a touchdown last season. Furthermore, he showed some explosive running ability.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys signed Jones this offseason after he spent the 2022 season with the Kansas City Chiefs. The veteran running back signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs last year after spending four years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, Jones had only 17 rushing attempts for 70 yards and a touchdown in six games last year.

Despite his smaller frame, Vaughn was a force at Kansas State last season. The rookie running back had 293 rushing attempts for 1,558 rushing yards, both career highs. Furthermore, the former Kansas State star had 43 scrimmage touchdowns in 37 career games.

Who Will Be The No. 2 Running Back For The Cowboys In 2023?

While the Cowboys released Elliott earlier this offseason, the veteran running back remains unsigned. More importantly, a reunion isn’t off the table for the former first-round pick.

However, that is more speculation than substance at this point. If the Cowboys don’t re-sign the veteran running back, who will be the RB2 behind Pollard this season?

Davis has the inside track on that role. He spent last year with the team and flashed some potential as a rookie. Furthermore, the second-year running back is best suited to fill Elliott’s role at the goal line.

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