A surprising name is gaining ground in the Cowboys’ backfield battle
The Dallas Cowboys’ running back competition is heating up as they prepare to head into training camp next month with a surprising name as a frontrunner.
Last season, the Dallas Cowboys had a serious problem with their running game. With Rico Dowdle as their lead back, they averaged just 100.3 rushing yards per game - 27th overall - and scored just six rushing touchdowns all season.
With Dowdle having moved on to the Carolina Panthers, the Cowboys added some new names.
Surprising name emerges as RB1 for Dallas
Deuce Vaughn returns for his third year and the Cowboys signed free agents Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in the offseason. They also drafted two rookie running backs, Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah.
While Williams has been the projected starter, Miles Sanders has emerged as a surprising frontrunner during OTAs and minicamp.
What if Miles Sanders ends up leading the Cowboys backfield and being a top 15 RB? 🤔
— FastDraft Fantasy (@fastdraftapp) May 20, 2025
pic.twitter.com/jFgW5UmQt8
ESPN’s Mike Clay projects Williams to be the primary starter in the end (predicting 803 yards and seven touchdowns), but at the moment, Sanders is leading the backfield after offseason workouts. Either way, the two look to be the top backs...for now.
Behind them are Blue and Vaughn, though training camp in Oxnard will ultimately determine the true pecking order. With several backs in the mix - including Mafah - Dallas has flexibility in shaping its ground game heading into Week 1.
The Cowboys will begin training camp on Monday, July 21 with all rookies and veterans expected to report to Oxnard. They kick off the regular season on Thursday, September 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment