Dallas Cowboys Final Roster Prediction: Running Backs
Which of the Dallas Cowboys running backs will make their active roster for the upcoming regular season? We’ll try to predict who will make the final 53.
With Ezekiel Elliott being banned for the first six games of the regular season following a year-long investigation into a string of domestic violence incidents, the Dallas Cowboys‘ running back position has been one to watch this offseason.
With a couple of harden veterans and two younger prospects playing well in the preseason, how the Cowboys decide to replace Elliott’s production has been a key concern in Big “D”. So which running back(s) gets cut later this week and who gets to stay and play for Dallas this season? Here’s our prediction…
Running Back Position
Who’s in?
*Suspended, doesn’t count towards team’s 53-man roster
Analysis:
Obviously, Ezekiel Elliott, the NFL’s leading rusher, will reclaim his starting role once he returns from a pending six-game suspension. Luckily for the Cowboys, Elliott will not count towards their final 53-man roster to start the season. That affords the team to add a player elsewhere somewhat temporarily.
Veterans Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris are a lock to make the roster as Dallas is expected to use both to replace Elliott’s production in the backfield. Rod Smith’s hard-nosed running in the preseason has earned him a place on our 53-man roster. And as head coach Jason Garrett values having a true fullback on the squad, Keith Smith gets the nod as well.
Who’s out?
Analysis:
Although I love the idea of the Cowboys adding a proven, yet still youthful runner in Ronnie Hillman to the roster, I’m just not sure Dallas keeps four running backs on their roster, even with Elliott suspended. Instead, I believe Dallas will move on from Hillman and opt to use that roster spot elsewhere.
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Final Word:
For the most part, the Dallas Cowboys will likely choose to keep a majority of their current stable of running backs and carry them over to the active roster. The bigger question is who will be let go when Ezekiel Elliott returns from suspension?