As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2024 season, one position they will need to evaluate closely is running back. With a talented group of young players vying for playing time, one player in particular may find himself fighting for his spot on the team. That player is none other than Royce Freeman.
Freeman, a former third-round pick, was brought in by the Cowboys during the 2023 off-season with high expectations. The 5-foot-11, 230-pound running back had a standout college career at Oregon, where he rushed for over 5,600 yards and found the end zone 60 times. With impressive numbers like that, many believed Freeman would be a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ backfield.
However, things did not go as planned for Freeman in his first season with the Cowboys. He was limited to just 11 games due to injuries and finished the season with only 321 rushing yards and two touchdowns. While injuries can always be a factor, Freeman’s lack of production was a concern for the coaching staff and front office.
Heading into the 2024 season, the Cowboys are now faced with some tough decisions at the running back position. With the emergence of second-year back Tony Pollard and the return of Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys may be forced to make some tough calls when it comes to their running back depth chart.
Pollard, who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 draft, proved to be a valuable asset for the Cowboys in his rookie season. He rushed for 455 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games and also showcased his versatility as a pass-catcher with 15 receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team.
Elliott, on the other hand, has been the Cowboys’ undisputed number one running back since he was drafted in 2016. Despite some ups and downs in his performance, Elliott has been a consistent force for the Cowboys, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons and earning three Pro Bowl selections. While he did have a down year in 2023, the Cowboys are confident that Elliott will bounce back and continue to be a key part of their offense.
With Pollard and Elliott firmly in place, Freeman may find himself on the outside looking in. The competition for the third running back spot will be fierce, with players like Rico Dowdle, Jordan Chunn, and Sewo Olonilua also in the mix. If Freeman wants to secure his spot on the team, he will need to prove that he can stay healthy and be a reliable contributor on the field.
But it’s not just the depth chart that Freeman needs to worry about. With the NFL constantly evolving and teams looking for new ways to improve their roster, the Cowboys may also look to add new talent through the draft or free agency. This could mean the end of Freeman’s time with the Cowboys before he even gets a chance to play a single game for them.
While this may seem like a daunting situation for Freeman, it can also serve as a motivating factor. He has the talent to be a successful running back in the NFL, and with hard work and dedication, he can prove that he deserves a spot on the Cowboys’ roster. His experience in college and the one season he spent with the Broncos, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and recorded eight touchdowns, are a testament to his potential.
Ultimately, the decision will be up to the Cowboys’ coaching staff and front office. But one thing is for sure, they will be closely monitoring Freeman’s progress during training camp and the preseason. If he can stay healthy and make an impact on the field, he may just secure his spot on the team. But if not, the Cowboys may have to make the tough decision to cut ties with Freeman before he even gets a chance to prove himself.
In conclusion, while Royce Freeman may be fighting for his job with the Cowboys, it’s not a lost cause for the talented running back. With dedication and hard work, he has the potential to earn a spot on the team and make a name for himself in the NFL. Only time will tell what the future holds for Freeman, but one thing is for sure, he will give it his all and prove that he is a valuable asset to any team.
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