Although the Dallas Cowboys running game was struggling early in the season, it managed to breathe life back towards the end. Rico Dowdle recently posted a career-high 1,000-yard rushing season. With the recent departure of Ezekiel Elliott, who had a difficult season, it seems like the perfect time for Deuce Vaughn to step up to the plate.

This Cowboys 2023 draft pick presents a great opportunity in Week 18

A quiet 2024 season for Deuce Vaughn

Coming into the season, the Cowboys felt like they had a very capable backfield. They were reunited with Elliott, had a chance with Dowdle and still had their faster running back in Vaughn. However, switching running backs on every play made the transition difficult. Nobody could warm up. All the stats were jagged. There was no clear winner.

But after Dak Prescott’s injury midway through the season, Dowdle finally got back into the swing of things. That’s why Vaughn was on the practice squad, as injuries continued to mount and more players appeared to be viable options. This season, Vaughn only played in 6 games and managed 11 carries for 33 yards. He is capable of more, but due to circumstances he was never allowed to prove himself.

Why there’s a chance for Vaughn to get on the field

The Dallas Cowboys are no longer in a playoff position. They will be without their star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for the final game of the season. And while it’s still unlikely that Trey Lance will get a chance to play quarterback, there is a chance for Vaughn. The main reason is that Dowdle has already passed 1,000 yards. If the Cowboys plan on bringing him back next year, they may want to give him a break and maintain his health.

Elliott’s departure allowed the Cowboys to promote Vaughn. After weeks of inactivity, he is finally in the squad. With literally nothing at stake for the team, this would be the ideal time to evaluate what they have with Vaughn. If anything, the Cowboys may not keep him. He can use this as an opportunity to put out more tape for other teams. Although he is small, Vaughn is quick and nervous at just 5 feet 7 inches. Given the space and facilities, he is usually able to maximize the space.

Early in the season, when Vaughn got opportunities, it was an offensive line that was struggling to make its presence felt. Now the strength of the line shines clearly. They managed to create a valuable rushing offense for Dowdle and could transfer that to Vaughn.

The last game of the season

This could be the last game in which Vaughn wears a Cowboys star. Because of his unique size and stature, he requires a different back configuration than what the Cowboys are used to. It makes it difficult to use, which is why they didn’t. The Cowboys will likely draft a running back who better fits their style. But they could still keep Vaughn if he shows he’s valuable and that they can use him.

If the Cowboys let Vaughn go anyway, they might as well see what he’s got. And with the 2024 season coming to an end on Sunday, January 5th, there’s no better time than now.

Main photo: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images