In a swift turn of events, former Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn has found a new opportunity with the Denver Broncos, signing to their practice squad, as reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. The 23-year-old, a 2023 sixth-round pick from Kansas State, was waived by the Cowboys on August 26 during their final roster cuts, but it didn’t take long for the speedy back to land with a team that’s quietly emerging as a dark-horse Super Bowl contender.
Vaughn, standing at 5-foot-6 and weighing 185 pounds, was a fan favorite in Dallas due to his electrifying playstyle and underdog story. Selected 212th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, he appeared in 14 games over two seasons with the Cowboys, accumulating 40 carries for 110 yards and 10 receptions for 58 yards. Despite showing flashes of potential, including 87 yards on 14 carries during the 2025 preseason, Vaughn’s diminutive size and the emergence of rookie running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah made him expendable.
The Cowboys’ backfield has undergone a significant transformation. Javonte Williams, signed to a one-year, $3 million deal in March, led the team in Week 1 with 15 carries for 54 yards and two touchdowns, plus two receptions for 10 yards in a 24-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Miles Sanders also contributed, gaining 53 yards on four carries. Meanwhile, Blue, a fifth-round pick from Texas, was inactive for the opener, with head coach Brian Schottenheimer citing the need for young players to show consistency. Mafah, a seventh-round pick from Clemson, remains sidelined on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
As Jon Machota of The Athletic noted in his final roster projection, Vaughn’s chances of making the Cowboys’ 53-man roster were slim. “Deuce Vaughn has had moments in training camp and the preseason where he has really pushed for a roster spot, however, it still seems unlikely that he’s one of the final 53,” Machota wrote. Ultimately, Dallas opted to move forward with their new additions, leaving Vaughn to seek a fresh start elsewhere.
The Denver Broncos, coming off a 20-12 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, have welcomed Vaughn to their practice squad, where he becomes the only running back in that role. The Broncos’ active roster features four running backs, but they recently waived Audric Estime and gave Blake Watson an injury settlement, opening the door for Vaughn. His workout with the team last week clearly impressed head coach Sean Payton, who has a history of utilizing versatile, undersized backs.
Vaughn’s playing style has drawn comparisons to Darren Sproles, a dynamic player who thrived under Payton’s system during his time with the New Orleans Saints. Like Sproles, Vaughn brings speed and versatility, making him a potential gadget player who can contribute in the run game, as a receiver, or on special teams. His addition to the practice squad gives Denver depth and a unique skill set to develop.
In their Week 1 win, the Broncos showcased a balanced rushing attack. Rookie second-round pick RJ Harvey led the team with 70 yards on six carries, while J.K. Dobbins added 63 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Tyler Badie chipped in with two catches for 16 yards, and Jaleel McLaughlin was a healthy scratch. Vaughn’s role on the practice squad could provide an opportunity to carve out a niche in Payton’s creative offensive scheme as the season progresses.
The Broncos, now 1-0, are heading into Week 2 with momentum as they prepare to face the Indianapolis Colts on the road. While Vaughn is starting on the practice squad, his speed and playmaking ability could see him elevated to the active roster if he proves his value in practice. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, adding a player with Vaughn’s potential is a low-risk, high-reward move.
For Vaughn, the move to Denver represents a fresh start and a chance to work under a coach known for maximizing the talents of players like him. As the 2025 season unfolds, the former Cowboy will look to make his mark with a Broncos team that’s already turning heads as a surprise contender in the AFC.