The Dallas Cowboys’ running back room is shrinking faster than a tumbleweed in a dust storm. As America’s Team gears up for another shot at glory, they’re facing a ground game crisis that could make even the toughest cowboy break into a cold sweat.

NFL analyst Dave Helman didn’t sugarcoat it when he said on SPEAK today, “I think this is the worst running back room in the NFL.” Ouch. That’s gotta sting more than a Texas-sized sunburn. Helman added, “They bring in Zeke as an afterthought.”

Enter Ezekiel Elliott, the prodigal son returning home after a less-than-stellar stint with the Patriots. At 28, Zeke’s looking to prove he’s still got some giddy-up in his step. But as Helman wryly noted, “Is Zeke going to find the Fountain of Youth?” It’s a fair question, considering Elliott’s career-low 642 rushing yards and 3.5 yards per carry last season. Despite these worrying stats, Cowboys running backs coach Jeff Blasko still sees value in Elliott, especially in short-yardage situations: “He’s, obviously a can of kick-ass in that department.”

The Cowboys’ strategy? A running back-by-committee approach that’s about as comforting as a cactus cushion. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer tried to put a positive spin on it: “I wouldn’t say it’s a challenge. I think it’s exciting.” Sure, and a cattle stampede is just a lively parade. Schottenheimer reminisced about past success with this approach: “We led the league in rushing in New York [where Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator with the Jets] back in 2008 [2009], I think, and we had three guys that were carrying the ball.” But can lightning strike twice with an unproven stable of backs, including Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, and Rico Dowdle?

Here’s the kicker – this ragtag group of runners could be Dak Prescott‘s best-supporting cast. As Emmanuel Acho pointed out, “Dak Prescott would never admit he was worried.” But with a rookie-heavy offensive line and a running game shakier than a tumbleweed in a tornado, even the ever-optimistic Dak might be sweating under that Stetson.

Key contract and position battles in the Cowboys’ preseason

As if the running back situation wasn’t messier than a Texas BBQ bib, the Cowboys are wrangling with other issues. CeeDee Lamb‘s contract situation is hanging over the team like a dark cloud. As Helman colorfully put it, “Everybody’s going to be they’re going to say is is 88 here is is CD did he was he on the plane?” The importance of getting this deal done during training camp can’t be overstated.

The offensive line is another bucking bronco the Cowboys need to tame. They’ve lost more talent than a saloon on a quiet night, with Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz riding off into the sunset. Now they’re banking on rookies like Tyler Smith to hold the fort. As Helman said, “You’re talking about a rookie at tackle and your options at center it’s either rookie Cooper BB out of the Big 12 Kansas State or Brock Hoffman who played like 50 snaps last year in mop-up Duty.” Talk about throwing the new guys into the deep end.

And let’s not forget about Dak Prescott’s contract rodeo. With one year left on his deal and more clauses than a long-winded lawyer, including no-trade and no-tag provisions, Jerry Jones needs to lasso this situation fast. As Helman warned, “Cowboys have to pay him or he walks.”

Despite all these challenges, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy seems determined to keep spirits high. Speaking about Elliott’s return, he said, “He walked in and he has that unbelievable smile and it’s just like he never left.” It’s a testament to the infectious energy Elliott brings to the locker room, even if his on-field production has waned.

As the Cowboys saddle up for the 2024 season, they’re facing more challenges. From a depleted running back corps to contract showdowns and rookie gambles, it’s going to take more than a little Texas luck to wrangle this season into shape.

Jerry Jones, ever the optimist, hasn’t ruled out mid-season moves to bolster the team after the 2024 NFL Draft concluded on April 27: “I’ve seen teams win the Super Bowl with running backs that they traded for mid-season.” It’s a reminder that in the NFL, like in the Wild West, fortunes can change faster than a quick-draw contest.

Interestingly, history might be on the Cowboys’ side when it comes to their running back woes. The last seven Super Bowl champions didn’t have a 1,000-yard rusher, proving that a star running back isn’t always necessary for success. But can the Cowboys buck the odds and turn their ragtag rushing attack into a championship-caliber unit?