Everybody's Saying The Same Thing About Zeke & Dalvin

FRISCO — Rico Dowdle has taken on a significant role for the Dallas Cowboys the past two weeks. Through their first three games, Dowdle totaled 23 carries for 88 yards, but ticked up to 31 carries for 133 yards in contests against the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants.

The Cowboys have also incorporated their No. 1 back into the passing game. Dowdle has a receiving touchdowns in both of the recent matchups.

Coming into the year, Dallas pegged the two-pronged attack of Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott to represent their lackluster backfield. However, the Cowboys have clearly pivoted in favor of the younger back with less tread on his tires.

For Elliott, that reality has proven a frustrating concept to grasp. The homecoming he may have imagined may have been more musings of a distant memory rather than practical assessment of his current ability.

While that drama unfolds on the 53-man roster, another former high-profile back awaits his turn on the practice squad. At the end of the preseason, the Cowboys signed Dalvin Cook, adding another piece to a depleted position group.

Almost everybody in the Cowboys fan base seems to be saying much the same thing about Cook; they'd like to see him in action. But on Zeke? There's a Cowboys Nation mixed bag there.

Fans don't seem to be as "dumbfounded'' about Zeke as he himself is. And they're starting to give up on the idea of Dalvin to the rescue.

Regarding Cook? Understandably, the team took the initial weeks to acquaint him into the system and get him into football shape. Heading into Week 6 now, what is the plan for Cook moving forward?

Some called for his installment within those first three weeks when the Cowboys' run game offered nothing of substance to a struggling offense. Dowdle's sudden pop has since quieted those calls for action.

Dallas will take on the Detroit Lions this weekend and then head into the bye week to reset. Another game to add to the sample size should provide more clarity on Dowdle's progress and where he stands. Regardless, the Cowboys should make an effort to see what they have in their current practice squad back.

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If Elliott has fallen out of favor in terms of production, this offense ideally should still have at least one back to spell their starter. Perhaps that is Cook's avenue to get on the field?

As it stands now, the Cowboys seem comfortable shelving Cook as an insurance policy rather than implementing him into their game plan. However, that "insurance" could easily be nabbed by another team that promises a spot on the 53-man roster.

Dallas may finally have their answer for this season at running back, but should not shrug off all their available options.