Just when Tyler Goodson was becoming an unexpected weapon on offense and special teams, he was lost for multiple weeks to a knee injury. Although it doesn't appear to be season-ending, this feels pretty fitting for how this 2026 campaign has gone for the Dallas Cowboys.
But it does make Goodson an intriguing figure when his one-year deal expires next spring.
Before exiting Sunday's game against the Colts, Goodson had rushed for a career-high 77 yards on just 12 carries. In his first three years in the NFL, coincidentally with Indianapolis, he rushed for 264 yards on 56 carries with one touchdown. He was a UDFA for Indy and played, but never in a major role.
Dallas signed Goodson off the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad in mid-September. There was no fanfare; Malik Davis had just gone down with a hip injury and a body was needed on the running back depth chart behind Javonte Williams.
However, Goodson has flashed both speed and shiftiness in limited touches, and that led to a season-high in carries against his former team. A much bigger day was likely coming if not for the injury, which occurred in just the second quarter.
Is Tyler Goodson becoming a priority free agent next spring?
Emerging as the lightning to Williams' thunder, and showing up with some solid kick return work in previous weeks, Goodson was proving to be what the Cowboys had hoped for in failed draft pick Jaydon Blue.
He is expected back this year from the injury, but sprains to both his ACL and MCL could keep him sidelined for a while and potentially affect his ability going forward.
Goodson just turned 26 on Tuesday, so he's not "young" by NFL running back standards. That will hurt him in next spring's free agent market, but his relatively low mileage from being a career backup will help in this equation.
While Dallas has Williams locked up through 2028, the rest of its running back room is wide open. They may sign a couple of guys off their practice squad, such as Israel Abanikanda, but Malik Davis is set to be a free agent again, and he'll soon be 28 years old, which is going to really limit his appeal.
We'll see how Goodson comes back from this injury, but he should get a chance to establish himself as a strong RB2 candidate beyond this season. While Davis was a reliable ball carrier with some special teams value, Goodson appears to offer more dynamic athleticism and explosive potential.
These could be especially valuable if Dallas decides to move on from KaVontae Turpin in the offseason. Soon to be 31, Turpin's effectiveness has decreased recently and the Cowboys can clear about $4.5 million off their 2027 cap if he's released.
How Goodson looks when he returns this year will be important, and it may change our feelings. But based on what fans have seen so far, future circumstances, and the team's undeniable love of guys named Tyler, he has a great shot at sticking around beyond this season.
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