The conversation concerning the running back position begins and ends with Ezekiel Elliott. His pending 6 game suspension puts the Cowboys in a precarious situation. With a decision yet to be reached on his appeal the Cowboys had no choice but to use one of their 53 roster spots on him. Meanwhile it is still unknown if he will play week 1 against the Giants or make his first appearance week 8 against the Redskins. The fallout from this suspension has put the Cowboys in a state of uncertainty comparable only to Fantasy Football enthusiasts around the globe struggling to figure out how early is too early to pull the trigger on Elliott.
Elliott is a unique talent, in fact he is one of the best players in the entire league. He is big, fast and explosive and yet he excels at both pass blocking and receiving. The Cowboys are stocked full of quality depth at the running back position but there is quite a drop off after Elliott. Darren McFadden is a very good back. He is a good blocker and he can also catch the ball. Even in his later years he still has some speed but he is nowhere near as explosive and powerful as Elliott is. Alfred Morris is not known for his speed or his blocking but he is a proven and experienced runner with excellent vision and awareness. Rod Smith has impressed the coaching staff enough to make this team but he will not receive many opportunities outside of special teams. None of these guys are in Elliott’s league but running behind the Cowboys offensive line I am as confident in this group as any other unit in the league.
If the Cowboys are forced to play the first 6 games of the season without Elliott, it will be an adjustment but they will be fine. The season will be more impacted by their defense and quarterback play with or without Elliott.