Should the Dallas Cowboys add some insurance for Ezekiel Elliott?

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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 26: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

On the off chance if anything were to happen to Elliott, players such as Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, Rod Smith, or rookie, Jahad Thomas. The team may add a back if an incident does occur as it is unknown just how many of the players listed will remain on the roster.

Morris has been rumored to be on the trading block while Smith and Thomas remain somewhat unproven commodities in terms of production as they have not been asked to take plenty of snaps at the running back position.

McFadden has been consistent as a solid back, however, injuries are only going to bother him more the older he gets. That really leaves the Cowboys with one option, look for a veteran free agent.

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Running backs that are still on the market in the late summer are always a risk but productive players can be found in case of emergency. The primary backs the Cowboys would likely be interested in based on the free agent backs available as of today would be DeAngelo Williams, Chris Johnson, Khiry Robinson, Justin Forsett, and James Starks.

The important thing to remember is that one player would not be able to put up the type of production Elliot has been capable of however the team would likely use a committee.

Laying a heavy snap count on McFadden is something that should be avoided as he seemingly works best as a complimentary back. A player like Williams has already proven that he can be productive when called upon as the Steelers utilized him when Le’Veon Bell was suspended/injured.

Williams had some incredible performances and has shown that even in his latter years, he still is capable of being incredibly productive on a large amount of snaps. Forsett and Robinson are injury risks as both have battled plenty of ailments throughout their time in the NFL.

Robinson suffered a serious leg injury that kept him out of action for a significant amount of time. Forsett has had his fair share of broken bones but both players still have gas left in the tank. Forsett is more of a power back and could easily find success behind the Cowboys terrific offensive line.

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