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Deuce Cut Loose in Cowboys Roster Projection

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 10:31 AM ET

We are all for feel-good stories around here, but sometimes the harsh reality of professional football hits us right between the eyes, and for Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn, it is a defining next couple of months.

Yes, we loved the heart-warming video of his father, Chris, a scout for Dallas, calling him on draft day, asking if he wants to come to work with him, and it tugged at the heartstrings.

But as we turn for Oxnard after two so-so seasons, Deuce is fighting for his Cowboys life.

Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams were signed in free agency, while Brian Schottenheimer drafted speedster Jayfon Blue and bruiser Phil Mafah.

To our count, that's five running backs. And the Cowboys aren't likely to take all five into the season, which means someone has to miss out.

ESPN's Mike Clay, when projecting the stats for each player in the league, when we get to Dallas and the run game, he has Williams, Sanders, Blue, and Hunter Luepke.

But no Deuce.

Granted, there's no Mafah either.

Both could be on the practice squad, but we get the sense Deuce is fighting a losing battle to make the final roster. Our insider, Mike Fisher, has stated that there isn't anything Vaughn does better than the other backs on the roster, and that makes life incredibly tough.

Now, Deuce won't throw in the towel, and we expect to see him dazzle in Oxnard and the preseason games, but when push comes to shove during roster cuts, what will Vaughn's fate be?

Clay has his theory, and for us, this feel-good story might not have a fairy tale ending.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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