The Dallas Cowboys have played two of its three preseason games ahead of the 2022 NFL regular season. As we inch closer to week one, position battles are shaping and heating up with players battling to make the roster.
One of the more intriguing position battles this preseason has been the battle for the third running back on the roster. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard are firmly at the top of the depth chart, but who the third back will be is still up for grabs.
Rico Dowdle has held that role in the past, but rookie Malik Davis is making things interesting in a big way. Dowdle has played well, as has Davis, during the preseason. Both have had strong moments in training camp and exhibition action.
Malik Davis truck stick 😳 @Campaign_Lik
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Both of the two running backs battling for that RB3 spot scored against the Chargers on Saturday night. Dowdle ran hard, while Davis also made an impact on special teams. He made a key block on a return touchdown, which should not be overlooked.
On the night, Dowdle rushed for 44 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Davis added 37 yards and a score of his own on eight carries. Therefore, this is shaping up to be a difficult decision for the coaching staff with roster cuts around the corner.
Rico Dowdle has done nothing to lose his position on the roster, but Malik Davis may force the Cowboys to move on from the former South Carolina rusher. That is how well Davis has performed and the impression that he is making.
The former Florida back went undrafted after a five-year career with the Gators. Despite some pedestrian stats, the Cowboys liked what they saw out of Davis and brought him in for a pre-draft visit before ultimately adding him as a UDFA.
Davis is gaining support to be the third back on the Dallas Cowboys’ roster. It is unlikely that Dallas keeps four at the position. That means either Dowdle or Davis will be let go before the regular season kicks off.
Regardless of what decision is ultimately made, it is clear that Malik Davis has made a serious push to be on the Dallas Cowboys in 2022.