Rico Dowdle has been efficient as the Dallas Cowboys‘ RB2 this season, but Tony Pollard’s backup went down with an injury on Sunday night. What happened to Dowdle in a critical NFC East matchup, and what’s his current injury status?
Rico Dowdle Injury Update
Dowdle briefly stayed down on the field after taking a third-quarter rush attempt for a four-yard gain. Dallas’ medical staff appeared to be examining Dowdle’s right leg, but he was ultimately able to leave the field under his own power.
#DallasCowboys running back Rico Dowdle was examined on field by the trainers after this play.
He walked off under his own power. pic.twitter.com/9YqZhu8Xuw
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 11, 2023
While the Cowboys staff set up the blue medical tent in case Dowdle needed further evaluation, he did not enter the tent. Instead, Dowdle remained on the sideline with his teammates, per Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports.
MORE: Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart
Fortunately, Dowdle was able to return to the game quickly. In fact, Dallas was still on the same offensive drive it had been leading when Dowdle departed.
Dowdle scored his second touchdown of the season midway through the second quarter of tonight’s game. A 2020 undrafted free agent, Dowdle has played 20% of the Cowboys’ offensive snaps while handling 74 total touches this season.
What Would the Cowboys Do Without Dowdle?
Dowdle out-carried Pollard on the first drive, and while he wasn’t pushing Pollard for the RB1 honors in this offense, he has certainly been carving out a niche.
Were Dowdle out of the mix, Pollard would be an elite option during the fantasy playoffs. Deuce Vaughn (inactive in Week 15) would be the handcuff for fantasy managers to add, but it’s unlikely he would have a shot at standalone value (the way Dowdle was trending).
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe