Dallas Cowboys announce former South Carolina RB is out for the year
By Jake Rill
Published:
The Dallas Cowboys lost some depth at running back on Wednesday, as a former South Carolina standout received some unfortunate news.
Rico Dowdle, who was entering his second NFL season, was placed on injured reserve with a hip injury, the Cowboys announced, which will cause him to be out for the year. Dowdle was looking to solidify his spot as Dallas’ No. 3 running back behind Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.
Dowdle didn’t get many touches as a rookie in 2020, recording 7 carries for 24 yards. He was having a solid preseason, rushing for 99 yards on 22 carries in 3 games.
Injuries have been an issue for Dowdle in the past, as he dealt with numerous ailments during his time with the Gamecocks, including a sports hernia surgery, a broken leg, a right knee injury and a groin injury. That may have impacted his draft stock, as he went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft before signing with the Cowboys.
Over 4 seasons with the Gamecocks, Dowdle rushed for 2,167 yards and had 19 total touchdowns in 39 games. He ranks 14th on the school’s all-time rushing list.
Dowdle is still only 23, so there’s time for him to recover and to make an impact in the NFL. But he’ll need to stay healthy in order to do so.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
