Cowboys' Jerry Jones addresses RB situation amid ground-game struggles

Jones added he doesn't see them elevating former Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook from the practice squad to the game day roster this week. 

Jones' apparent confidence in the team's backfield is surprising. In a 44-19 Week 2 loss to the New Orleans Saints, Dallas rushed for 68 yards on 21 carries. The Cowboys rank 25th in the league in rushing yards (85 YPG) through two games. 

The Cowboys could sign a free-agent RB to add depth, perhaps former Pro Bowlers Kareem Hunt or Latavius Murray. They could also consider trading for Houston's Dameon Pierce, who rushed for 939 yards in 13 games during his rookie season in 2022.  

Unless Jones changes his mind, though, expect the Cowboys to keep rolling with Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, who have combined for 112 rushing yards on 31 carries.

Dallas has been relying on a RB-by-committee system this season. In the team website's Tuesday mailbag, Kurt Daniels suggested the Cowboys choose a lead back to help the run game produce better results. 

"While combined the pair could reach 1,000 rushing yards, if Dowdle was given, say, 60 percent of the running back touches instead of his current 42 percent, would he find himself more in the game and thus have a better idea of what the defense is doing?" wrote Daniels. "Of the top-10 rushing teams in the NFL so far, eight have one predominant back." 

The Green Bay Packers lead the NFL in rushing yards (212 YPG) through two games. Green Bay RB Josh Jacobs has played on 70% of offensive snaps, per Pro Football Reference.

The Cowboys must kick-start their ground attack, or their offense may become one-dimensional. If Dowdle or Elliott don't step up, Dallas should consider trading for or signing another RB.