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Dallas Cowboys: Veteran running back impressing in camp

By Steven Mullenax

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 13: Running back Alfred Morris #46 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum during preseason on August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. The Rams won 28-24. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 13: Running back Alfred Morris #46 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum during preseason on August 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. The Rams won 28-24. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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Despite all the news surrounding superstar Ezekiel Elliott, it’s a veteran running back that is impressing onlookers at Dallas Cowboys training camp this week.

When talking about the Dallas Cowboys running backs, the conversation normally starts and ends with Ezekiel Elliott. And it’s understandable as to why. Zeke, along with his teammate quarterback Dak Prescott, took the NFL by storm last season, leading the league in rushing with 1,631 yards.

But the Cowboys do have a talented group behind Elliott, which includes veterans Darren McFadden, Ronnie Hillman and Alfred Morris. And also undrafted rookie Jahad Thomas.

It’s undeniable that Elliott is the star of the show in Dallas. But this offseason has been a problematic one for the 22-year old, with a possible suspension looming over him from an alleged domestic violence incident from last year. And that has many fans worried the Cowboys could begin the season without their starter in the backfield.

What that concern also does is places a bigger importance on the play of Elliott’s back-ups, as they may need to carry the load at some point in the season. And according to one insider, one of the Cowboys veteran running back has been very impressive through the first week of training camp…even playing better than Zeke!

"“With no Darren McFadden at practice, Alfred Morris was the primary backup to Ezekiel Elliott and looked the best off all the backs, including Elliott,” wrote football analyst Bryan Broaddus on the team’s official website. “Morris was able to find space in the line when things appeared a little muddy. His vision and ability to slash with quickness was put on full display during the team’s play action period, where he took the ball inside and then with a burst came out the other side into the second level.”"

Morris had a similarly impressive camp and preseason last year in Dallas, but when the regular season started the veteran all but disappeared due to very limited snaps. The 28-year old recorded 243 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 69 carries. Morris’ 3.5 yards per carry average was the lowest in his five-year career.

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If Alfred Morris can prove he’s the best option behind Ezekiel Elliott, he could supersede Darren McFadden on the depth chart. And if Elliott is indeed suspended Week One, Morris could be called upon to be the starter against the New York Giants at home.

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