Deuce Vaughn's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

As expected, the Dallas Cowboys have been experimenting with using pint-sized running back Deuce Vaughn as a receiver out of the slot during organized team activities this offseason. The second-year back was seen on Thursday at OTAs taking reps out of the slot as head coach Mike McCarthy looks to add some wrinkles to his offense going into Year 2 as the play-caller. Vaughn has also been taking backup returner reps to KaVontae Turpin. The 5-foot-6 running back saw limited action last year in his rookie campaign, getting just 30 touches for 80 scrimmage yards. But with Tony Pollard gone, Vaughn should see an increase in snaps in Year 2 in 2024. However, he's still currently third on the RB depth chart in Dallas behind Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, so he's not going to be on the fantasy radar on draft day in standard 12-team leagues.

Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn could see more playing time in the slot next season as a way to utilize his talents in space more often. The 5-foot-6, 176-pounder was taken in the sixth round last year, and he finished with just 23 carries for 40 yards while catching all seven of his targets for 40 yards through the air in seven regular-season games. But with Tony Pollard no longer in town, the Cowboys could look to get Vaughn more involved in the passing game to capitalize on Vaughn's burst, quickness and change-of-direction abilities in open space. It would make him intriguing as a sleeper in PPR leagues, but the fact remains that Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott will likely be ahead of Vaughn on the RB depth chart. For now, it's just something to watch for fantasy managers in deep PPR formats.

The Dallas Cowboys placed rookie running back Deuce Vaughn (ankle) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday and activated defensive lineman Viliami Fehoko (knee) from Injured Reserve in a corresponding move. Vaughn's move to IR is a sign that Rico Dowdle (ankle) should be OK to play in the Week 18 regular season finale against the Washington Commanders on Sunday after he sat out last week's win over the Detroit Lions on Saturday. The 22-year-old Vaughn was the talk of training camp over the summer, but he never really found a meaningful role with Tony Pollard and Dowdle in front of him in his rookie season. He finishes his first year in the NFL with 23 carries for 40 yards and seven catches for an additional 40 yards through the air. With Vaughn now out heading into the playoffs, Malik Davis will serve as the team's No. 3 RB.