Rico Dowdle

Dowdle ends his productive 2024 with another workhorse game and touchdown score. He finishes with 235 carries for 1,079 yards, two rushing touchdowns and two fumbles, adding 39 receptions for 249 yards and three receiving touchdowns. Entering 2024 with a murky backfield, the Cowboys decided not to add much and Dowdle eventually took over with what became a fantasy RB2 season. He wasn't the most efficient or explosive, but did enough to maintain a lead role for a non-playoff team. The Cowboys could be looking to add to the backfield after ignoring the running back position last offseason, giving Dowdle competition. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on the situation as Dowdle is an RB2 with this exact role next season, but he did not do anything special to make it out of the offseason unscathed.

Dowdle rushed 22 times for 72 yards and a touchdown while catching two of three targets for 12 yards in Sunday's 23-19 loss to the Commanders.

Two words: Rico Dowdle

The Cowboys released RB Ezekiel Elliott. "Out of respect and appreciation for Zeke and wanting to provide him with an opportunity to pursue any potential playoff participation possible, we are releasing him from the Cowboys roster today," owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. We don't expect playoff teams to be tripping over themselves to add Elliott, who's averaging 3.1 yards per carry this season. Zeke has continued to get snaps near the goal line lately, so his absence boosts RB Rico Dowdle's TD chances in Sunday's finale vs. the Commanders.