Dallas Cowboys: Will Rod Smith still have a role?
By Tim Kohut
During Ezekiel Elliott’s six-game suspension, backup running backs Alfred Morris and Rod Smith filled in admirably. Could the latter still have a sizable role upon Elliott’s return?
The Dallas Cowboys offense has been rejuvenated over the past three weeks, thanks largely in part to the fill-in running back duo of Alfred Morris and Rod Smith.
The offense should take another step forward with the return of their star running back Ezekiel Elliott. Not to mention the fact that they play a decimated Seattle Seahawks defense that has given up 385 yards on the ground over the last two weeks.
With the return of a slimmer Zeke, who undoubtedly will be playing with a chip on his shoulder, it’s difficult to imagine either back seeing anywhere close to the work they’ve received over the past six weeks. However, there should be snaps for at least one of the two backups when the Dallas is forced to rest Elliott.
And that Cowboy should be Rod Smith.
While Morris was certainly the more impressive runner, Rod Smith looks to have carved out a more sustainable niche for the Cowboys on select downs. He was the more prolific receiver of the two, and also proved to be an above average pass blocker in a third-down role.
Morris is the kind of back that needs a sizable amount of carries to get going, and obviously, those won’t be available when Elliott is in the lineup. But Rod Smith has proven he can come in on third-downs and provide the Cowboys with a steady hand in the backfield.
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While Elliott also excels at pass protection and catching the football, he’s obviously going to need the occasional breather. So don’t be surprised on Sunday to see the Cowboys to give Smith a sizable role on offense, despite being third on the depth chart upon Elliot’s return.