The Dallas Cowboys could be on the lookout for a stopgap running-back soon after the Fifth Circuit of Appeals restored the ruling of the NFL suspending Pro Bowl rusher Ezekiel Elliott for six games. Elliott has the right to re-file in the New York Federal Court and Texas to keep him on the field, though there’s no report if his camp plans to counter the latest ruling.
With the NFL looking to enforce the suspension immediately, the Cowboys are heading into the October 22 clash against the San Francisco 49ers without the assurance of having their most prolific rusher in the backfield.
This development has triggered speculations about the Cowboys’ next move, the most popular of which is a potential trade for a capable running back.
Devontae Booker to Dallas
Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker is now being linked to the Cowboys. The 25-year old rusher is just coming off a wrist injury, and Denver’s crowded rotation at tailback is keeping him off the field. Booker saw limited action in the October 1 game against the Oakland Raiders, where he covered 14 yards on three carries. Finding significant playing time for Booker will be difficult this season, as long as C.J Anderson continues to play well in the role of Broncos’ Bellcow, and Jamaal Charles puts up solid numbers in limited snaps.
NFL writer Mike Florio of NBC Sports, however, doused cold water on the rumor. He stated, via a league source, that Denver did not receive any calls from the Cowboys regarding a potential trade and they intend to keep Booker. Still, Florio isn’t ruling out future discussion between the two teams with the trade deadline just around the corner.
“That said, every player has a price. And if the Cowboys intend to look elsewhere for help during Elliott’s suspension (if he serves it this year), the Broncos make sense — whether the Cowboys inquire about Booker, Jamaal Charles, of C.J. Anderson,” Florio noted.
The best move available for Cowboys
The prospect of losing Elliott is a big blow to the Cowboys as they prepare for a tough stretch against the 49ers, Redskins, Chiefs, Falcons, Eagles, and Chargers in their next six games.
And while trading for a running back is certainly an option, it does seem impractical since the Cowboys still have Darren McFadden or Alfred Morris to fill Elliott’s void. Trading for a stopgap running back will only create a crowded house once Elliott returns from suspension. Perhaps, exploring the free agency market is a far better option for the Cowboys at the moment.