The Detroit Lions handed the Dallas Cowboys a humiliating defeat in Week 6, and while there are numerous issues for Dallas to tackle to get back on track, establishing an effective running game remains a top priority. The Cowboys managed only 53 rushing yards in their 47-9 home loss to the Lions on Sunday, October 13. Running back Rico Dowdle led with 5 carries for 25 yards, while Ezekiel Elliott had 8 carries for just 17 yards, as reported by ESPN. A key problem was that Dallas quickly fell far behind, forcing them to rely heavily on passing — Cowboys quarterbacks attempted 44 passes, compared to only 17 rushing attempts.
Throughout the season, Dallas has ranked among the NFL’s worst teams in rushing. The Cowboys are currently second-to-last in total rushing yards with just 463 and are tied for last in the league with only two rushing touchdowns, according to NFL.com.
The team tied with Dallas at the bottom in rushing, the Cleveland Browns, recently lost their starting running back, Jerome Ford, due to a hamstring injury. However, four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb is expected to make his return next week against the Cincinnati Bengals, marking his first appearance since a severe knee injury in Week 2 last season against the Pittsburgh Steelers. That said, Cleveland holds a 1-5 record and may soon need to consider tanking for a high pick in the 2025 draft to find a quarterback to replace Deshaun Watson. If the Browns decide to pivot toward rebuilding, Chubb’s presence could actually hinder their draft position by helping them win games that would be more advantageous to lose.
Additionally, Chubb agreed to a restructured contract that reduced his salary to just under $2.3 million for this year, and he will become an unrestricted free agent in March 2025 as he approaches his 30th birthday. While the Browns may no longer require Chubb’s contributions, he will certainly want the opportunity to prove he is back to full health and still capable of performing at a high level. A high-profile, often scrutinized 3-3 Cowboys team seeking to turn its season around could provide him with the perfect stage. Cleveland might secure a late Day 2 or early Day 3 draft pick in exchange for Chubb, who is unlikely to return to the team next season, while Dallas would gain a running back with 6,511 yards and 48 touchdowns in 77 career games — a potential win for both teams.
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