RicoDowdle

News: 6 days agoDowdle rushed 10 times for 28 yards while catching two of five targets for six yards in Monday's 34-10 win over Houston.

Spin: Dowdle got his head coach's vote of confidence prior to Monday's kickoff, and Mike McCarthy's words rang true after the tailback led Dallas in carries. That's where the good news ended, as the 26-year-old struggled to generate any room to operate in a blowout loss. Unlike star teammate CeeDee Lamb, Dowdle's value may have taken a significant hit by Dak Prescott's (hamstring) season-ending injury. With little threat of a passing attack, opposing defenses can stack the box against Dowdle and Co. like the Texans successfully accomplished Monday. Dowdle should still carry deep-league value, but those in standard formats may have to make difficult decisions as the fantasy playoffs inch closer.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Dowdle saw limited offensive snaps during his first three NFL seasons after joining Dallas as an undrafted free agent, but Year 4 was his relative breakout, with 505 yards from scrimmage. The main backup to now-departed Tony Pollard rushed for more than 50 yards in only one game, though he saw regular action on special teams. The Cowboys brought back franchise icon Ezekiel Elliott after a year away and he figures to handle most of the touches, at least early on, diluting Dowdle's potential value. There is opportunity for a Dallas RB, but it is hard to see Dowdle as anything more than an RB5.