One of the league’s most fascinating training camp battles will happen in Oxnard as the Dallas Cowboys try to find their next starting running back. By all accounts, it appears that the Cowboys will lean into a running back by committee approach, but they still will need a lead back.
In a recent article by Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus, he wrote about 10 preseason battles worth watching heading into the 2025 season. The running back battle in Dallas made the list, with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders expected to compete for RB1 snaps. Here is a snippet of what he had to say about the battle going into the year:
"While both Williams and Sanders have faced challenges in recent years, each offers upside. Sanders earned an 84.8 rushing grade on gap runs last season (albeit in a limited sample), and Williams ranks in the 77th percentile in yards per route run over the past two seasons."
Running back is the only position on offense that does not have a clear-cut starter, as the other 10 spots are already spoken for going into the offseason. And because the Cowboys have invested so much into their offensive line, it’s vital that they find a running back who can maximize their value.
Cowboys' RB competition in training camp will garner national attention
The two vets on the roster are Williams and Miles Sanders, both of whom signed one-year deals this offseason. Neither is making substantial money, and they aren’t guaranteed to be on the roster. But they will both have a shot to be the RB1 for Dallas as they try to resurrect their careers.
The expectation is that Blue will get some work on passing downs, and he’ll surely get some carries due to his speed. But the Cowboys likely won’t make him the featured back right away as they will want him to grow into that role. That leaves the two veterans to compete for snaps on early downs.
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The favorite should be Williams because he is younger and has more power to his game, but Sanders has been the more impressive player in offseason workouts. However, don’t think that his running back room is settled by any means. If Williams and Sanders struggle during training camp and into the preseason, the Cowboys will likely explore outside options.
Does that mean a potential trade could happen for a player like Breece Hall or Kenneth Walker? Both players might be pricey, but it can’t be ruled out if Dallas isn't getting the production out of the backfield that they hoped.
There aren’t many long-term investments in this backfield, and the Cowboys should be willing to move on rather quickly if they aren’t getting the production they need from the position.
Expect the running back position to be a fluid one for Dallas throughout camp, and don’t be surprised if the battle continues into the regular season. The Cowboys are searching for answers at running back and will likely turn over every stone until they can find a competent runner.