The Cowboys are set for kickoff in San Francisco, and things are already starting on an odd note.
According to the Cowboys, Dallas running back Rico Dowdle became sick upon arriving at Levi’s Stadium and is now inactive against San Francisco. Dallas Morning News beat writer Calvin Watkins reported Dowdle, who was slated to be the team’s starting running back against the 49ers, has the flu.
Cowboys inactives: Micah Parsons, Caelen Carson, Rico Dowdle, Andrew Booth and Matt Waletzko.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) October 27, 2024
On Saturday, the Cowboys elevated RB Dalvin Cook from the practice squad. Head coach Mike McCarthy said on Friday, “Dalvin is ready.” He could suddenly be getting a bigger look than expected with Dowdle out.
Dallas also has running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Deuce Vaughn on the active roster.
Elliott got the start against the 49ers and Cook entered later in the first quarter on the Cowboys’ second possession, catching a short pass for a 10-yard gain. He also had one carry for one yard on the drive that ended with a Dak Prescott interception.
Dowdle leads the team with 246 rushing yards on 59 carries in 2024. Elliott entered with 115 on 38. The Cowboys so far have had the NFL’s worst rushing attack.
The Cowboys signed Cook in August as a free agent, and he was reportedly in the mix after this year’s draft as an option at running back before Dallas elected to bring back Elliott.
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