2 weeks Ago By Daniel Chavkin
As the Cowboys prepare for their big "Sunday Night Football" matchup against the 49ers, they are dealing with an unexpected injury issue. Starting running back Rico Dowdle, who practiced fully this week, became sick sometime on Sunday, making his status for the game a worry just hours before kickoff. The Cowboys and 49ers both enter the game with three wins, looking to gain momentum in a tight NFC playoff picture.
Losing Dowdle for the game is a big blow for Dallas. Here is what to know about Dowdle's issue and the Cowboys' running back depth chart. NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule Is Rico Dowdle playing Sunday night? Dowdle came down with an illness while traveling to the stadium for "Sunday Night Football," and Dallas originally listed him as "questionable" for the contest before ultimately ruling him out.
The Cowboys' medical staff evaluated him before the game and determined he wasn't healthy enough to play vs. San Francisco. Rico Dowdle will be inactive tonight, per source.
You're up, Dalvin Cook and Zeke Elliott. https://t.co/4ZUYvmL6sX Dowdle has played in all six Cowboys' games this year after appearing in 16 games for Dallas season.
The 26-year-old was an undrafted free agent in 2020 out of South Carolina. Cowboys RB depth chart Rank Name No. 1 Rico Dowdle (out vs.
San Francisco) No. 2 Ezekiel Elliot No. 3 Deuce Vaughn No.
4 Dalvin Cook (elevated from practice squad) Dowdle leads the team in rushing so far this year, totaling 59 carries for 246 yards and no touchdowns. Elliott is right behind him, though, with 38 carries for 115 yards and a score, so he would likely get more opportunities if Dowdle is out. Vaughn has spent the season as a third-stringer and special teamer, producing just seven carries for 20 yards on the season.
One big note for the Cowboys is that Cook will play in his first game for the team as a practice squad elevation . The veteran running back, who's spent the first part of this season on Dallas' practice squad, played for the Jets and Ravens last season..
