“Shocking Twist: Cowboys’ Rushing Leader Won’t Be Zeke Elliott or Dalvin Cook—Here’s Who Will Dominate!”

When the Cleveland Browns face off against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL regular season, anticipation is high for an exciting matchup. The Browns are coming off a season where they boasted the league’s top defense, but they’ll be up against a formidable connection between Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Cleveland is hopeful that quarterback Deshaun Watson can capitalize on several injuries plaguing Dallas’ defense, supported by a strong cast of offensive weapons. Despite being favored in Week 1, the Browns are dealing with some key injury concerns, while the Cowboys enter the week relatively healthy.

Dallas’ offense has undergone significant changes in the backfield over the past few seasons. After moving on from Ezekiel Elliott in favor of Tony Pollard, the Cowboys saw Pollard depart in free agency this offseason. To bolster their running game, Dallas brought back Elliott and signed veteran Dalvin Cook after training camp. However, it’s the lesser-known Rico Dowdle who could end up leading the Cowboys’ rushing attack in 2024.

Undrafted in 2020 after four years at South Carolina, Dowdle’s best college season came as a freshman when he rushed for 764 yards and six touchdowns. Over his college career, he gradually became more involved in the passing game, finishing with 22 receptions for 167 yards in his final season.

Now 26, Dowdle has played in 36 games for the Cowboys but has faced challenges, including missing all of 2021 with a hip injury and 12 games in 2022 due to an ankle injury. Prior to last season, Dowdle had only seven career rushing attempts, but he made the most of increased opportunities in 2023, rushing 89 times for 361 yards and two touchdowns.

Although Dowdle only appeared in the first week of the preseason, recording three carries for 14 yards, he could be a key contributor for Dallas this season. With Cleveland’s strong defense and a challenging road environment, it would be surprising if Dowdle made an immediate impact in Week 1, but he’s certainly a player Browns fans should keep an eye on.