Rico Dowdle, the Cowboys’ surprise hero, receives an unexpected NFL ranking among starting running backs.

In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, there are always a few stories that rise above the noise, catching fans and analysts by surprise. One of the most intriguing narratives of the Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 season has been the emergence of Rico Dowdle, a player who has quietly developed into one of the most valuable assets in the Cowboys’ backfield. Dowdle, who entered the league as an under-the-radar prospect, has not only earned a starting role with the Cowboys but has also received an unexpected ranking among the league’s top running backs, a distinction that speaks volumes about his rapid ascent and growing influence on the field.

In this article, we will explore Dowdle’s journey, the factors behind his rise to prominence, his ranking among NFL starting running backs, and the role he plays in the Cowboys’ offense. We’ll examine the statistics, the context of the Cowboys’ backfield, and how Dowdle has captured the attention of the league in ways that few could have predicted.

A Rocky Road to the Spotlight

Rico Dowdle’s journey to becoming a starting running back for the Dallas Cowboys is anything but conventional. Dowdle, who played college football at South Carolina, was often overshadowed by bigger names and more hyped players at the running back position. After going undrafted in 2020, Dowdle’s chances of making an NFL roster seemed slim. But his determination, work ethic, and resilience would eventually pay off.

The Cowboys first signed Dowdle as a free agent in 2020, and he spent much of his rookie season on the practice squad. While he didn’t make an immediate impact, Dowdle’s work ethic didn’t go unnoticed. He quickly became a reliable backup and a special teams contributor. In a crowded backfield that featured more prominent names like Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, Dowdle’s chances to see significant playing time were limited.

However, injuries to key players and a reshuffling of the roster opened the door for Dowdle to prove himself. In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Dowdle showed flashes of potential when given the opportunity, demonstrating quickness, vision, and a surprisingly elusive running style for someone who was considered a long shot. His consistency in limited action, combined with his ability to stay healthy and improve over time, eventually earned him the respect of coaches and teammates alike.

By 2025, Dowdle had positioned himself as one of the top running backs on the Cowboys’ roster. With Tony Pollard transitioning into a featured role, Dowdle was able to carve out a spot for himself as both a complementary back and a viable starter in certain situations. His rise to the top of the depth chart, particularly in an offense that had relied on Pollard and Elliott in years past, was a testament to Dowdle’s growth and development as a player.

A Breakout 2025 Season: Dowdle Takes Center Stage

The 2025 NFL season marked a turning point for Dowdle. With Pollard as the primary back, Dowdle wasn’t expected to be the focal point of the Cowboys’ rushing attack. However, several key factors allowed him to thrive and ultimately secure a higher-than-expected ranking among starting running backs.

1. Increased Opportunities: The Cowboys’ offensive scheme under head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was designed to leverage multiple running backs in a variety of situations. With Pollard’s speed and explosiveness, Dowdle’s more physical and balanced style provided a nice contrast. The team found success by rotating backs more regularly, which allowed Dowdle to see an uptick in touches and become a more significant contributor to the offense.
2. Versatility and Balance: Dowdle’s ability to thrive both between the tackles and as a receiving option out of the backfield became one of his most valuable assets. Unlike traditional power backs, Dowdle combined strong vision and patience with excellent pass-catching ability, making him a threat on all downs. His versatility allowed the Cowboys to use him in multiple formations, making him difficult to predict and defend against.
3. Injury Concerns with Pollard: While Tony Pollard remained the Cowboys’ primary back, he was not immune to the wear-and-tear of a demanding NFL season. Dowdle’s ability to step in and handle a larger workload when Pollard was banged up or needed a break made him invaluable. His durability became one of the cornerstones of his game, and the coaching staff’s trust in him grew exponentially as the season progressed.
4. A Strong Offensive Line: The Cowboys’ offensive line, long considered one of the most dominant in the league, played a pivotal role in Dowdle’s success. With veterans like Zack Martin and Tyron Smith leading the way, Dowdle was able to exploit holes and navigate his way through the defense. A strong offensive line provided Dowdle with the space he needed to excel, and his patience and vision allowed him to maximize those opportunities.
5. Improved Play-Calling and Game Management: The Dallas Cowboys’ offense was designed to keep opposing defenses guessing, mixing up plays to suit the strengths of their running backs. Kellen Moore’s creative game plans often featured Dowdle in key moments, taking advantage of his ability to break off chunk yardage and serve as a steady presence in the backfield.

Dowdle’s NFL Ranking: A Surprising Yet Well-Deserved Recognition

As the 2025 season progressed, Dowdle’s performance was hard to ignore. By the mid-point of the season, Dowdle had earned the recognition of various NFL analysts and statistics-based ranking systems. His unexpected rise culminated in an impressive ranking among the league’s starting running backs—a ranking that few could have predicted given his humble beginnings.

At the time of writing, Dowdle found himself ranked in the top 15 among starting NFL running backs, ahead of more established names and players with higher profiles. This ranking is a testament to his consistent play and the impact he had on the Cowboys’ offense. In a league filled with elite running backs such as Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and Christian McCaffrey, Dowdle’s performance was a remarkable achievement.

Several factors contributed to his ranking:

1. Efficiency and Yards per Carry: Dowdle has consistently been one of the most efficient running backs in the league. Through his vision, quick acceleration, and balance, Dowdle was averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry, placing him among the league leaders. This statistic is especially significant considering the Cowboys often employ a committee approach with Pollard and other backs, limiting Dowdle’s total carries.
2. Dual-Threat Ability: Dowdle’s ability to contribute both as a rusher and a receiver set him apart from many of his peers. With over 400 rushing yards and 250 receiving yards by midseason, Dowdle was proving that he could make plays both on the ground and through the air. His ability to run precise routes and catch passes out of the backfield made him a weapon in the Cowboys’ offense, further boosting his value and ranking.
3. Consistency in Big Moments: While Dowdle’s overall numbers were impressive, what really set him apart were his performances in clutch moments. Whether it was picking up critical first downs or delivering a key touchdown in a high-pressure situation, Dowdle proved to be reliable when it mattered most. His ability to come through in crucial moments demonstrated his composure and value as an all-around back.
4. Ball Security: One area where Dowdle excelled was in ball security. He had only committed one fumble throughout the season, a statistic that is especially important for a player who handles the ball as much as he does. His ability to avoid turnovers made him a dependable option for head coach Mike McCarthy, who values ball control and maintaining possession.

The Bigger Picture: Dowdle’s Impact on the Cowboys’ Offense

While Dowdle’s individual achievements were noteworthy, his impact on the Cowboys’ offense went beyond the statistics. His presence in the backfield allowed the Cowboys to be more dynamic and unpredictable. With both Pollard and Dowdle contributing in different ways, the Cowboys’ offensive playbook became more versatile, forcing defenses to game plan for multiple threats.

1. Complementing Tony Pollard: Dowdle’s physical running style complemented Pollard’s speed and explosiveness. Pollard’s ability to break off big runs and catch passes out of the backfield made him a dangerous weapon, but Dowdle’s steady, ground-and-pound approach provided balance. Together, the two created one of the most effective running back duos in the league, offering the Cowboys an ideal combination of finesse and power.
2. Taking Pressure off Dak Prescott: By establishing a strong ground game, Dowdle helped take pressure off quarterback Dak Prescott. In past seasons, the Cowboys’ reliance on Prescott to carry the offense in the passing game was often evident. However, with a more balanced offensive attack in 2025, including Dowdle’s contributions, the Cowboys were able to alleviate some of that burden, giving Prescott more room to operate in the passing game.
3. Contributing to Offensive Balance: One of the hallmarks of a successful NFL offense is balance—being able to run the ball effectively while also stretching the field through the air. Dowdle’s ability to contribute in both areas allowed the Cowboys to keep defenses off balance, making it more difficult for them to key in on one specific aspect of the offense.

Looking Ahead: Dowdle’s Future with the Cowboys

As Dowdle continues to thrive in the Cowboys’ offense, his future with

the team looks bright. Given his consistent production, leadership, and versatility, Dowdle is expected to remain a key part of the Cowboys’ backfield for the foreseeable future. His unexpected rise to one of the top starting running backs in the NFL in 2025 has positioned him as a player who could continue to make an impact for years to come.

For the Dallas Cowboys, Rico Dowdle’s story serves as a reminder that in the NFL, anything can happen. Whether you’re an undrafted free agent or a highly-touted rookie, hard work, perseverance, and opportunity can lead to unexpected success. Dowdle’s journey from practice squad player to NFL surprise hero underscores the unpredictable nature of the league and the importance of believing in one’s own potential.

In the years to come, Dowdle’s rise may become a case study for undrafted players and teams looking for hidden gems. If the 2025 season is any indication, Rico Dowdle’s impact on the Cowboys’ offense is far from over, and the unexpected ranking among starting NFL running backs is just the beginning of what could be a very promising career.