Should the Cowboys Be Concerned About Their Running Back Depth in 2026?
In 2025, the Dallas Cowboys began the season facing concerns about their running back position. They signed former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams and former Eagles and Panthers player Miles Sanders while also hoping to rely on drafted free agents and familiar players already on the roster. For the benefit of everyone associated with Dallas, Williams turned out to be the signing of the offseason for Dallas, as he would have the best running back season for a Cowboy since Ezekiel Elliott in 2019. The performance earned him a payday of a three-year, $24 million contract, and while it could have been seen as a contradiction to how Dallas usually pays running backs, he earned the contract. Besides Williams, Dallas still has questions about who could back him up in 2026. With only one clear running back on the roster, should Dallas be convinced about their depth heading into 2026?
Behind Williams
Besides Javonte, Dallas only has two other running backs on the roster thus far. One of these players is Jaydon Blue, a rookie from Texas last year, who did not have many opportunities to play throughout the season, except for the final game against the Giants. The other player is Malik Davis, who has been a steady presence on the Cowboys' roster for a few seasons now. His 2025 season was marked by a notable 43-yard touchdown run against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day, contributing to Dallas' victory, 31-28. These two have not had much run during the season due to how well Williams was playing, but when their opportunities arose in 2025, they tried to make the most of their chances.
Concerns?
Should Dallas be concerned? Yes and no. It’s not ideal to have two inexperienced players backing up one of the most injury-prone positions in the league, especially as Dallas aims to make a deep playoff run in 2026. However, this situation is not necessarily catastrophic. With all due respect to Williams and how well he played, Dallas has one of the better run-blocking offensive lines in the entire NFL. One of the best run-blocking lines, paired with offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who is known for drawing up fantastic run and blocking schemes, certainly helps in the scenario where Blue or Davis needs to take the top role if Williams does get hurt. Dallas can and still should look for a chance at adding more depth to a running back room that is lacking players, but if Blue and Davis have to take over for a game or two, the Cowboys can hold their concerns for those games.
