Rico Dowdle Shines as Cowboys’ Hopeful 1,000-Yard Rusher
FRISCO, Texas — Before Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle could even be asked about reaching 1,000 rushing yards, he had the answer ready.
“Two-sixty-nine,” Dowdle said, referencing the yards he needs in the team’s final four games to hit the milestone. Despite a disappointing 5-8 season for the Cowboys, Dowdle has a personal goal within reach.
“I definitely want it,” he said. “Getting my first 1,000-yard season would be great. It’s there, so I’m going for it.”
Dowdle has set career highs this season with 731 rushing yards on 152 carries. Achieving 1,000 yards seemed unlikely early in the season when the Cowboys used a running back committee. However, since becoming the lead back, Dowdle has posted back-to-back 100-yard games, a feat last achieved by Tony Pollard in 2022.
If he reaches 100 yards against the Carolina Panthers this Sunday, the team with the league’s worst rushing defense, he will be the first Dallas running back to achieve three consecutive 100-yard games since Ezekiel Elliott in 2019.
Dowdle’s 485 rushing yards since Week 9 rank second in the NFL, behind only Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles. His confidence remains high as he continues to adapt to his increased workload, crediting his recovery routine and offseason dietary changes for his improved performance.
With 269 yards left to reach 1,000, Dowdle calculates he needs to average 67.5 yards per game over the final stretch. Thanks to his recent form and improved offensive line play, the milestone is well within his grasp.
Leave a Reply