Dallas Cowboys DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn (hamstring) is dealing with a hamstring issue that has kept him off the practice field for the last two days. For however much time Vaughn may miss at training camp with the issue, the speedy Rico Dowdle and veteran Royce Freeman will jockey for positioning as Dallas' No. 2 back behind incumbent starter Ezekiel Elliott. Vaughn made seven appearances for the Cowboys in his rookie season in 2023, rushing for a mere 40 yards on 23 carries with seven receptions for 40 yards. The pint-sized 22-year-old former Kansas State standout is battling to keep his roster spot in Arlington this summer, and he's not guaranteed to still be with the team when the regular season begins in September.

Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo continues to impress for the Carolina Panthers during practice at training camp. Mingo's first year in the league was a flop with the Panthers, seeing him collect just 41 of his 85 passes for 418 scoreless yards despite playing plenty of snaps in 15 games, but the second-year man out of Ole Miss is looking to bounce back in his sophomore season. The 23-year-old wideout was a second-round pick in the NFL draft in 2023, and he's currently battling with Terrace Marshall Jr. for No. 4 receiver duties behind rookie first-round Xavier Legette in Carolina's offense. Barring a trade involving Diontae Johnson's expiring contract later this year or Adam Thielen being phased out of the offense, Mingo still looks hard-pressed for a consistent role in three-receiver sets as a WR6/7 in fantasy leagues to begin the campaign.

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle has been a popular fantasy football sleeper this offseason after the departure of Tony Pollard. The team brought back Ezekiel Elliott, and many assume Dowdle and Elliott will split backfield duties in 2024. However, in a radio interview, Cowboys executive Stephen Jones suggested that Royce Freeman is likely to make the roster, while Dowdle and Malik Davis could be competing to be the third active running back in the regular season. [Freeman will] be a good addition and great complement to (Ezekiel Elliott)," Jones said. "And then we'll let these young guys between (Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis) and those guys battle it out." It's too early to draw any conclusions, but this is not a great look for Dowdle, who rushed 89 times for 361 yards and two touchdowns in 2023.

According to Dallas Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was sent a new contract offer on Friday. It appears things are moving in a promising direction, with Jones acknowledging that conversations between both parties have been positive. Lamb is entering the final year of his rookie deal and hasn't reported to training camp. But with Lamb coming off a 135-catch, 1,749-yard, 12-touchdown season, it is in the Cowboys' best interest to get him to sign on the dotted line as soon as possible. With that said, the wideout's fantasy value won't take a hit unless this situation extends for at least a few more weeks.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is participating in training camp despite being on an expiring contract. "Yes," owner Jerry Jones said when asked if Prescott could be at his best while also playing on the final year of his current agreement. "That implies that he won't get a new deal, and that's not the case. Those things can change everyday. It can happen." With Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa landing new contracts, the focus will shift to Prescott and the Cowboys. While this situation has been ongoing for quite some time, it appears both sides are willing to work to get something done as soon as possible. The signal-caller finished last season by throwing for 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. As a result, Prescott is expected to remain a top fantasy performer, regardless of his contract situation.