The battle to be Tony Pollard's backup is a fascinating one as the Dallas Cowboys head on a short break before training camp commences with a July 24 arrival in Oxnard.
After Ezekiel Elliott was cut, a spot is now up for grabs, with Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle catching the eye thus far.
Head coach/offensive play caller Mike McCarthy has noticed the strides Davis has made this offseason after getting a taste of NFL football in his rookie season last year.
"When he got opportunities last year, boy, he was really productive," McCarthy said. "Just like any young running back, it's, 'OK, can he be a pass protector? What can he do in the passing game?' And ... He's done an excellent job, particularly in the classroom; you can see his confidence and understanding. I'm very pleased with Malik."
Then there is Dowdle. For some, he was in a position to make some moves in his second season ahead of Davis before an injury halted his progress.
But now, with OTA's and minicamp done and Dowdle seemingly over his troublesome injury, McCarthy feels it's important to mention him.
"Let's not forget what Rico did when he played," McCarthy said of Dowdle. "He and Malik are very similar, two young backs that when they got their opportunities, they produced. ... He's fully recovered, so that'll be a very competitive room."
Then there are the other two backs on the roster - two-time Super Bowl champ Ronald Jones and draftee Deuce Vaughn. (Not counting UDFA rookie Hunter Luepke, who might be considered a fullback.) Both have had moments this offseason with Vaughn taking part in drills and punt returns, while "Rojo" hasn't seen too much action thus far.
The Cowboys are not presently planning on a Zeke reunion or a blockbuster acquisition. So ... Who has a viable claims to be Tony Pollard's backup come Week 1? The running back battle is just one of a host of fascinating storylines to watch during Cowboys training camp.
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