Cowboys Minicamp: Brian Schottenheimer has an ace up his sleeve to create big plays on offense and he teased it in practice

The Dallas Cowboys' run game is a massive question mark at this point. 

We don't know what Brian Schottenheimer's scheme will look like, even though we hope offensive coordinator Klayton Adams will influence it. We don't know what Javonte Williams—the favorite to become RB1—looks like ahead of the 2025 season. And the Cowboys' most explosive running back on the team is a fifth-round rookie. 

Schottenheimer says he wants to run the ball. We don't know what that entails this year for the Cowboys. What we do know is the head coach might already be prepping some surprises. 

One of which could be KaVontae Turpin being used at running back. In 2024, when Schottenheimer was offensive coordinator, Turpin lined up in the backfield a total of 16 times. Nine of which came in a two-week span. 

According to multiple reports, Turpin lined up at running back in mandatory minicamp. It seems the plan is to build on those reps from 2024. 

Like anything this time of the year, it's difficult to make out what's just an experiment and what foreshadows a consistent feature of the offense. But what is true is Turpin working out of the backfield can put stress on defenses in more ways than one. 

Yes, his speed can kill defenses outside as a runner. Even though his size doesn't scream downhill run plays, that can be enough for him to be a viable RB. But it also means defenses have to account for him running a deep route. As such, matching him up with a linebacker like you would a running back is not an option. Bring in a cornerback into the box and you can capitalize on it by running the football.

That's how Kyle Shanahan utilized Deebo Samuel. Though his skillset is different to Turpin's, it's a great example of the matchup problems it creates.

Ultimately, it might be one of those gameplan-specific personnel groupings that pops out every once in a while. But with Schottenheimer calling the shots on offense, it could be more often than in previous seasons. Hopefully they capitalize on his unique speed.