Dallas Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle exited Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots and was ruled out with a hip injury, but what’s the latest update on the running back?
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The Latest on Rico Dowdle
Sources close to the situation are optimistic that Dowdle will return to practice at a limited capacity at some point this week as the team prepares for the San Francisco 49ers.
Head coach Mike McCarthy said Dowdle would work with the rehab group on Wednesday and “has a chance to play” on Sunday against the 49ers.
MORE: Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart
On Monday, Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan that the team is “more optimistic” about Dowdle than yesterday. He described the injury as a contusion, which is a bruise.
Multiple reports state that Dowdle underwent an X-ray that returned negative for any damage, and the running back would undergo an MRI on Monday morning.
Jones mentioned that Malik Davis, currently on the practice squad, could act as insurance for the team if needed.
Dowdle’s Uphill Battle to the RB2 Position
Dowdle has been a productive backup to Tony Pollard so far this season. He has 80 yards on 20 attempts and one receiving touchdown.
Dowdle was an undrafted free agent in 2020 and has played in 20 games. His lack of opportunity has not come from talent but because of injuries that have kept him out of the game for prolonged periods.
This is the most production the running back has had during his time in Dallas, as he was an early standout in minicamp and OTAs.
Pollard spoke about Dowdle, saying he was “being himself” by letting the game come to him. He described Dowdle as explosive and decisive in his game.
Dowdle got his first regular-season touchdown in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals, and Pollard said, “It was a great feeling just seeing him getting into the end zone after all he’s been through since coming into the league, you know, the trials, tribulations, adversity that he’s face. So I know that meant a lot for him.”
No stopping @ricodowdle on his way to paydirt 💰
📺: FOX & NFL+ ➡️ https://t.co/yLMhJNTZjs pic.twitter.com/8Q5TRFMuk8
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 24, 2023
Coaches have praised what the 25-year-old has done with the opportunity he has been given. During training camp, McCarthy said he had some of the best pass-pro pickups of camp.
Dowdle continued to impress as McCarthy went on to say that he loved his running style.
He has pushed his way into becoming an integral part of the Cowboys offense, so his return would be welcomed as the team prepares for their Week 5 matchup.