One of the biggest enigmas entering the 2025 season was what the Cowboys had in their running back room. For several years prior, all of their starting solutions at running back had come in-house. From Ezekiel Elliott in 2016 through to Tony Pollard in 2023, to Rico Dowdle eclipsing Elliott in 2024.
Thankfully, the Cowboys got much more than what they bargained for, and a perceived weakness became a strength. Also, give credit to new offensive coordinator Klayton Adams for designing a running game
that highlighted his personnel.
This season, the Cowboys have an unquestioned top dog in their backfield and may have a change-of-pace back who has the tools to be a gamebreaker. Let’s examine the Cowboys’ running backs.
Javonte Williams
Javonte Williams was so much more than the Cowboys could have expected when they signed him to a one-year, $3.5M contract. At the time, Williams joined the team with the possibility that he might be splitting carries with fellow veteran signee Miles Sanders. Williams had battled injuries after a promising rookie season with the Denver Broncos and fell into an almost unpredictable committee under Sean Payton. Williams seized his opportunity in Dallas and had a career year. He set career-highs in touchdowns and yards.
More impressively, more than half of his 1,201 rushing yards came after contact, and he broke 25 tackles last season, the second-most of his career. This signifies that Williams has the elusiveness he showed as a rookie along with his power. As a pass protector Williams was exceptional in picking up the free blitzer and giving Dak Prescott more time in the pocket.
The Cowboys’ decision to give Williams a three-year, $24M extension was money well spent, as it fell well below the three-year, $43M contract given to Kenneth Walker III by the Kansas City Chiefs. At 25 years of age, Williams has a lot of tread on the tire to offer the Cowboys borderline Pro Bowl caliber production for the next few seasons.
Jaydon Blue
Jaydon Blue may be the perfect complement to Williams’ rugged rushing style. Blue’s electric speed, (4.38 40-yard dash) pairs well as a change of pace to how Williams and the Cowboys bludgeon opponents with their running game. Unfortunately, last season Blue had a hard time finding the field because of several factors.
He suffered an ankle injury toward the end of the preseason. There were also rumors about Blue’s work ethic earlier in the offseason and his inability to pick up the offense quickly. Blue refuted the claims but maybe there was some credence to that as many weeks Blue was inactive on game days.
When Blue did play, he was largely underwhelming – until the season finale, where Blue teased some of his potential. Blue could be a nightmare for opposing defenses in the open field with his speed. Also, with Williams under contract for the next few seasons, Dallas may make more of a concerted effort to reduce his 68% offensive snap share from last year, leaving the door open for Blue to have more chances if he can step up. Blue’s talent could add yet another big-play weapon to what already looks to be an elite offense once again.
Malik Davis
Malik Davis has spent his entire NFL career with the Cowboys after joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022. In his rookie season, Davis worked his way to the active roster, and although he had limited carries, he produced with an effective 4.2 yards per rush. Davis was buried on the depth chart for the next two seasons, not receiving any playing time on offense. Then, last year, Davis was produced once again when his number was called.
Perhaps the highlight of his season was his 43-yard touchdown run that helped the Cowboys get a Thanksgiving Day win over the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s not as speedy as Blue, but has more than enough juice to break the occasional long run. Don’t expect his role to change much in 2026, and that’s perfectly fine. Davis still carries value as a special teamer with the ability to break a big run with limited carries per game.
Hunter Leupke
Hunter Leupke can do a little of everything for the Cowboys. Leupke, a diverse fullback, can play multiple positions, having played tailback, fullback, and H-back. He’s got very nice hands out of the backfield, and if needed, could serve as a short-yardage runner.
The Cowboys gave him a two-year, $7.5M extension last year as a sign of the team’s investment in services. Because of his plus athleticism for his size and position, he can create mismatches against heavier personnel in the passing game. The Cowboys trust him as a lead blocker in the running game but also as a pass protector in the shotgun. Also, Leupke is a core member of the special teams unit.
Others
Phil Mafah
Israel Abanikanda
How are you feeling about the RB room heading into the 2026 season?
