Rico Dowdle Stats: Breaking Down the Numbers Behind the Cowboys Running Back

When discussing emerging talent in the NFL, Rico Dowdle is a name that continues to surface with growing frequency. As a powerful and versatile running back for the Dallas Cowboys, Dowdle has steadily climbed the ranks, proving his value with each game. This detailed breakdown of Rico Dowdle stats provides insights into his journey, performance, and impact on the field.

Early Career and College Performance

Rico Dowdle began turning heads long before joining the NFL. At A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, North Carolina, he was a dual-threat quarterback who transitioned to running back in college. Attending the University of South Carolina, Dowdle put together a solid collegiate career despite battling injuries. In his four years as a Gamecock (2016–2019), he recorded:

2,167 rushing yards

16 rushing touchdowns

71 receptions for 483 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns

While his numbers didn’t skyrocket off the charts, scouts admired his vision, toughness, and ability to break tackles. These attributes would soon earn him a spot in the NFL.

Entry into the NFL

Rico Dowdle went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent shortly afterward. Despite entering as a long shot, Dowdle impressed coaches during training camp and preseason. He made the 53-man roster in his rookie season, primarily contributing on special teams.

Here’s a look at Rico Dowdle’s NFL stats by season:

2020 Season

Games Played: 15

Rushing Attempts: 7

Rushing Yards: 24

Kick Returns: 4 returns for 152 yards (38-yard average)

2021 Season

Dowdle’s momentum was temporarily halted due to a hip injury, sidelining him for the entire season.

2022 Season

Played sparingly, mostly on special teams.

Another injury (ankle) led to placement on injured reserve midseason.

2023 Season: The Breakout

Dowdle finally began to make an impact in 2023, taking advantage of injuries and depth chart shifts.

Games Played: 16

Rushing Yards: 361

Rushing Touchdowns: 2

Receiving Yards: 144

Receiving Touchdowns: 1

Notably, in Week 11 vs. the New York Giants, he rushed for 79 yards and a touchdown, turning heads and solidifying his role as the Cowboys’ second-string back behind Tony Pollard.

Rico Dowdle Stats in the 2024 Season

The 2024 NFL season marked a career high for Rico Dowdle, as he stepped into a more prominent role in the Cowboys’ offensive scheme. With Tony Pollard struggling for consistency, Dowdle became a go-to option in both the running and passing game.

2024 Season Stats:

Rushing Attempts: 235

Rushing Yards: 1,079

Rushing Touchdowns: 2

Receptions: 39

Receiving Yards: 249

Receiving Touchdowns: 3

Dowdle’s combination of vision, power, and agility has made him a reliable offensive asset. His ability to contribute as a pass-catcher has also added versatility to the Cowboys’ backfield.

Career Totals (As of 2024 Season End)

Games Played: 46

Rushing Yards: 1,464

Rushing Touchdowns: 4

Receptions: 48

Receiving Yards: 393

Receiving Touchdowns: 4

Why Rico Dowdle’s Stats Matter for Fantasy Football and Analysts

If you’re into fantasy football, Rico Dowdle’s stats are worth tracking. His role as a dual-threat back, especially in PPR (points per reception) leagues, makes him a valuable late-round sleeper or waiver wire addition. His increasing touches and efficiency per carry have fantasy managers and analysts alike taking notice.

FAQs

What Was Rico Dowdle’s Best Performance in 2023?

In the 2023 NFL season, Rico Dowdle had several standout performances. One of his best came in Week 11 against the New York Giants, where he rushed for 79 yards on 12 attempts and scored a touchdown. This performance was a significant moment in his career, solidifying his position as the Cowboys’ second-string running back behind Tony Pollard.

What Injury Setbacks Has Rico Dowdle Faced?

Rico Dowdle’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. After a solid rookie year in 2020, Dowdle suffered a hip injury in 2021 that sidelined him for the entire season. Additionally, he encountered an ankle injury in the 2022 season that limited his playing time. However, despite these setbacks, he made a strong comeback in 2023 and 2024, proving his resilience and ability to stay competitive.

What is Rico Dowdle’s Role in the Cowboys’ Offense?

Rico Dowdle primarily serves as the backup running back for the Dallas Cowboys, backing up Tony Pollard. However, with his increasing skill set, Dowdle has earned significant playing time in both rushing and receiving situations. His dual-threat ability has made him a valuable asset in the Cowboys’ backfield rotation.

Should I Add Rico Dowdle to My Fantasy Football Team?

If you’re considering Rico Dowdle for fantasy football, his versatility and growing role in the Cowboys’ offense make him a worthwhile option. His ability to contribute both as a rusher and a receiver boosts his value, especially in PPR leagues. Dowdle is a great late-round pick or waiver wire target for teams looking to add depth to their roster.

To Conclude

Rico Dowdle’s stats tell a story of perseverance, hard work, and seizing opportunity. From undrafted free agent to a key contributor on a playoff-contending team, Dowdle has built a strong case for himself in the NFL. While he may not yet be a household name, his production on the field speaks volumes. If his upward trend continues, expect his stats — and his role — to grow even more in the seasons ahead.

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