Dallas Cowboys: Can Darius Jackson win the third running back job?

After being placed on the Dallas Cowboys practice squad in 2016, can Darius Jackson beat out Bo Scarbrough and win the third running back position battle?

For the Dallas Cowboys, running back is possibly their deepest position on the roster. When you have arguably the best running back in football Ezekiel Elliott headlining your runner’s, things are going to shape up pretty well.

Backup running back Rod Smith also is a very solid player, who could be a starter for about four to five NFL teams. But once you get past the top two big names, there is an intriguing battle going on this preseason for the third running back spot.

Third-year man Darius Jackson and rookie Bo Scarbrough are battling it out to see who will make the roster as the third back.  Jackson was with the Cowboys in 2016 and spent most of the year on their practice squad, and eventually was claimed by the Cleveland Browns.

Jackson was unable to see any playing time in Cleveland, and injuries played a big part in keeping him off the field. Back in Dallas this year Jackson has been able to stay healthy and creates a tough decision for the Cowboys as to who to keep at the third running back spot.

So far this preseason, Jackson has 18 carries for 71 yards opposed to 20 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown for Scarbrough.  Both Jackson and Scarbrough provide a very different skill set, and Dallas will have to decide which skills they value more at the third running back position.

Scarbrough is a tough, physical runner, much like Rod Smith, as opposed to Jackson who is more of a speed back. Speed is something that the Dallas roster still does lack on the offensive side of the ball, and Jackson could provide a real boost in this department.

Scarbrough is so similar to Smith in his running ways, it may make more sense to keep Jackson on the roster. Jackson could provide a nice change of pace late in games when defenses are tired after being worn down by the physical running of Elliott and Smith all game.

All in all, the final preseason game may determine a lot when it comes down to who earns the third running back spot. Jackson and Scarbrough figure to get lots of playing time, and whoever has the better game might be the one who makes the Dallas Cowboys roster.