Cowboy Roundup: Who will be the starting running back in 2025? Jerry Jones is causing the team to lag.

Cowboy Roundup: Who Will Be the Starting Running Back in 2025? Jerry Jones Is Causing the Team to Lag

As the Dallas Cowboys approach the 2025 season, questions about the team’s future are circulating in the media and among fans. Perhaps one of the most critical positions under scrutiny is that of the starting running back. The Cowboys, who have long relied on a powerful rushing attack, will need to determine who will step up to take the reins from the legendary Ezekiel Elliott, whose departure has left a significant hole in the backfield. However, as the Cowboys move forward into the new season, many are wondering if Jerry Jones, the franchise’s owner and general manager, is inadvertently hindering the team’s ability to thrive in the running game.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the potential candidates for the starting running back job in 2025, the dynamics within the Cowboys’ roster, and how Jerry Jones’ management decisions could be affecting the team’s long-term stability and success. With a rich history of great running backs and a team that prides itself on its ability to control the clock with a strong ground game, the Cowboys are at a critical juncture in determining who will lead the backfield moving forward.

The Dallas Cowboys’ Running Back History and the Legacy of Ezekiel Elliott

Before diving into the current running back situation, it’s important to understand the context of the position within the Dallas Cowboys organization. The Cowboys have a storied history when it comes to the running back position, with Hall of Famers like Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett, and Herschel Walker gracing the field in years past. The franchise has always placed a premium on having a strong, reliable running back who can carry the load and set the tone for the offense.

Over the past few years, Ezekiel Elliott has been the face of the Cowboys’ rushing attack. After being drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Elliott quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in the league. He led the NFL in rushing yards twice and was a key contributor to the Cowboys’ offensive success. Elliott’s vision, balance, and ability to pick up yards after contact made him one of the most feared running backs in the league during his prime years.

However, following a series of injuries and a decline in performance in recent seasons, Elliott was ultimately released by the Cowboys after the 2023 season. His departure marked the end of an era for the Cowboys, leaving them with a critical need to find a new leader for their backfield.

Who Are the Leading Candidates for the Starting Running Back Role in 2025?

With Elliott’s departure, the Cowboys’ coaching staff will have to decide who will take over the starting role in 2025. Fortunately for Dallas, they already have some talented options on their roster. However, each of these candidates brings different skills and qualities to the table, making the decision a bit more complicated.

Tony Pollard: The Front-Runner

The most likely candidate to assume the role of the Cowboys’ starting running back in 2025 is Tony Pollard. Pollard has been with the Cowboys since 2019 and has steadily increased his role in the offense over the years. Known for his explosive speed and big-play potential, Pollard has proven himself as a capable and versatile back.

Pollard’s breakout came in 2022 when he earned a Pro Bowl selection after finishing with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. His ability to break off long runs and contribute in the passing game has made him a valuable asset for the Cowboys’ offense.

The biggest question surrounding Pollard is whether he can handle the full-time duties as the team’s primary back. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance, Pollard has historically been used as a complimentary back, often splitting carries with Elliott. In 2025, if Pollard is named the starting running back, the team will need to see if he can consistently handle the workload over the course of an entire season. His vision and ability to take on defenders in tight spaces will be tested more than ever before.

Pollard is an electric playmaker and has the potential to be the face of the Cowboys’ running game for years to come. His performance in the upcoming season will likely determine whether the Cowboys can continue to be an offensive juggernaut or if they will need to invest in a more traditional power-back in the future.

Rico Dowdle: A Rising Contender

While Pollard seems to be the most natural fit as the starting running back, Rico Dowdle is an intriguing option for the Cowboys moving forward. Dowdle, who has been with the Cowboys since 2020, has been slowly building his case as a reliable option in the backfield. While he hasn’t had the opportunity to be the featured back in Dallas’ offense, Dowdle has flashed potential when given the ball.

In 2023, Dowdle averaged 4.5 yards per carry in limited action and proved to be a tough, downhill runner who could pick up yards when needed. Though he lacks the explosive speed of Pollard, Dowdle possesses solid vision, and his ability to gain tough yards between the tackles could make him an excellent complement to Pollard. If Pollard were to be sidelined or if the Cowboys wanted to use a two-back system, Dowdle could take over as the lead back in certain situations.

Despite his promising skill set, Dowdle remains an unproven commodity. He will need to show consistency and reliability in training camp and during the regular season to fully convince the coaching staff that he deserves a starting role in 2025.

The Cowboys’ Future in the Draft and Free Agency

In addition to Pollard and Dowdle, the Cowboys could look to the NFL Draft or free agency to bring in additional competition for the starting running back position. Over the past few years, the Cowboys have consistently shown that they are willing to bring in new talent through the draft to solidify key positions, and running back is no exception.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, there will likely be several highly talented running backs who could help provide depth or even challenge for a starting role in Dallas. The team’s front office may also choose to target a veteran free agent if they feel that adding experience to the backfield is necessary. For instance, players like Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, or David Montgomery could be free-agent options that would help bolster the Cowboys’ running attack.

If the Cowboys choose to go this route, they will need to weigh the benefits of adding a more established veteran to the roster versus developing their current talent. Pollard’s growth as the potential lead back will be key to determining whether the Cowboys need to spend significant resources on bringing in a high-profile running back.

Jerry Jones’ Impact on the Cowboys’ Roster Decisions

While the Cowboys’ running back situation is a key storyline heading into the 2025 season, it’s also worth noting the influence of Jerry Jones, the franchise’s owner and general manager. Jones has long been a controversial figure in the world of NFL management, and his decisions regarding the roster can sometimes have unintended consequences.

One of the most significant ways that Jones has affected the Cowboys’ running back position is by his handling of Ezekiel Elliott’s contract. Despite Elliott’s decline in production in recent years, Jones was reluctant to part ways with him, and the financial burden of his contract became a point of contention for many fans and analysts. The Cowboys ultimately moved on from Elliott, but the fact that it took this long to make the decision raised questions about Jones’ long-term vision for the team.

Furthermore, Jones’ tendency to make impulsive decisions or prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability could affect the team’s approach to the running back position. The Cowboys have a history of paying big money to running backs—a strategy that may not be the most effective in today’s NFL, where running back by committee is becoming increasingly common.

Jones’ influence could potentially impact how the team approaches the starting running back competition in 2025. If the team goes after a high-profile player in free agency or the draft, it could be seen as a short-term solution rather than developing Pollard or Dowdle into long-term assets. This approach may create tension within the locker room and limit the team’s flexibility in terms of salary cap and roster construction.