After a setback in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals, the Dallas Cowboys were able to get things back on track in Week 4. They destroyed the visiting New England Patriots 38-3, washing away any negativity that may have been remaining from the loss against Arizona.

It was a dominant performance across the board for Dallas, who received contributions from players up and down their roster. No matter whose number was called, they produced against the Patriots.

Alas, it wasn’t all positive for the Cowboys coming out of the game. They could be a little short-handed in the backfield as backup running back Rico Dowdle suffered a hip injury on Sunday afternoon.

Dowdle, who has carved out a role as the backup to Tony Pollard, was forced out of the game early. He earned the No. 2 running back role with a strong offseason, as his success as a pass protector is what helped him land the spot.

It is always a bummer when a player suffers an injury, but there is some concern because of the kind of injury that Dowdle suffered. He has a history of hip ailments, including a fracture in 2021 that cut his season short, as shared by Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News on X, formerly known as Twitter.

While initial tests of Dowdle’s hip were negative, which is good news, he has some more tests to undergo. If Dowdle is forced to miss time, the Cowboys could turn to rookie sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn to take his spot in the lineup. 

However, there are some legitimate concerns about how Vaughn would hold up in an expanded role. Standing only 5’6”, he may not be able to handle more than a change-of-pace role. Relying on him in pass protection is also risky.

It will certainly be a situation worth keeping an eye on. Hopefully, the injury isn’t too serious and Dowdle can return to the lineup in no time. If not, the Cowboys may have to look outside of the organization for some depth in the backfield.