Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys are returning a familiar face to the running back room after losing one key player in free agency last week. The Cowboys watched as Tony Pollard signed with the Tennessee Titans last week.

The Dallas Cowboys have lost key RBs in recent offseasons

The Cowboys have lost two key running backs in as many offseasons. Last offseason, they released Ezekiel Elliott. The team was expected to try to land a competent replacement last week. AJ Dillon was considered a logical option for the “all-in” Cowboys, but he re-signed with the Green Bay Packers.

Like the Packers with Dillon, the Cowboys are bringing back one of their players from the 2023 team.

Rico Dowdle is staying in Dallas

Per the sports agency SportsTrust Advisors, Rico Dowdle signed with the Cowboys.

Dowdle has spent his career with the Cowboys

Dowdle has been with the Cowboys since they signed him as an undrafted free agent before the 2020 season. Dowdle had his best season in Dallas last season. He rushed for 331 yards and two touchdowns. Dowdle added 17 receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game.

Dowdle could have a bigger load on the Cowboys’ offense in the 2024 season.

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