The Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 NFL training camp has kicked off with a whirlwind of concerns, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s prospects for the upcoming season. From unresolved contract disputes with star linebacker Micah Parsons to glaring weaknesses in critical areas, the Cowboys are grappling with issues that could derail their campaign. Among these, the running back room stands out as the most alarming reason to hit the panic button, threatening to undermine new head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s vision for a balanced offense.
The Cowboys’ ground game is shaping up to be a significant liability. With Javonte Williams listed as the starting running back, followed by Miles Sanders, rookie Jaydon Blue, Deuce Vaughn, and Phil Mafah, the depth chart lacks the firepower needed to instill confidence. According to NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha, the two most experienced backs—Williams and Sanders—have struggled mightily, failing to average 4 yards per carry since 2022. Rookie Jaydon Blue shows promise but remains unproven, leaving Dallas without a clear difference-maker in the backfield.
“Dallas has done a nice job of adding young talent to its offensive line,” Chadiha noted, referencing the team’s investment in three first-round picks over the past four years, including 2025’s guard Tyler Booker. “Now we need to see how the players carrying the ball behind those blockers operate. The Cowboys’ running back room isn’t going to blow anybody away at this stage.”
The lack of a reliable rushing attack is particularly concerning given Schottenheimer’s preference for a balanced offensive approach. Without a dependable ground game, the Cowboys risk becoming one-dimensional, putting undue pressure on their passing attack to carry the load.
On the bright side, Dallas boasts one of the NFL’s most potent passing games, led by wide receivers George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. This dynamic duo could force defenses to play lighter boxes, potentially creating more running lanes for the Cowboys’ backs. “There’s a good chance that Dallas’ passing attack can force opponents to lighten the box for more effective rushing opportunities,” Chadiha wrote. However, he cautioned that relying solely on the passing game to compensate for a weak running attack is far from ideal.
For the Cowboys to achieve offensive balance, their running backs must step up and become true playmakers. Schottenheimer’s creative play-calling will be crucial, but the lack of proven talent at the position poses a significant challenge.
Analysts and insiders remain divided on who will emerge as the Cowboys’ lead back. Tommy Yarrish of dallascowboys.com believes Miles Sanders has the edge, citing his explosiveness in early practices. “Of all the backs in the room, he’s got the most juice left,” Yarrish said. “In shorts, Sanders looks a bit more explosive compared to the rest of the group.” Meanwhile, Nick Eatman also favors Sanders, highlighting his versatility and intangibles. “He’ll catch the ball as well as anyone, he’ll have just enough speed and quickness,” Eatman wrote.
However, others see Javonte Williams or even rookie Jaydon Blue as potential starters. Blue, in particular, has caught Schottenheimer’s attention with his competitive fire and growing grasp of the playbook. “In the spring, he picked it up slower than we had hoped. But not now. He’s got it,” Schottenheimer said, per a post on X by Jon Machota. “He’s one of those guys that doesn’t say much, but there’s a big-time competitive fire in there. He wants to be elite.”
If Blue can harness his speed and talent, he could provide the spark Dallas desperately needs to alleviate concerns about the running back room. For now, though, the position remains a question mark.
Amid the uncertainty, fullback Hunter Luepke has emerged as a bright spot. Schottenheimer has repeatedly praised Luepke’s instincts and versatility, calling him “an incredible football player” who can line up at multiple positions. During a recent practice, Luepke showcased his football IQ by adapting to a disguised defensive look on an outside zone play, a moment Schottenheimer highlighted as emblematic of his value.
While Luepke’s contributions are undeniable, even a stellar fullback can’t fully compensate for a lackluster running back group. The Cowboys need a dynamic lead back to elevate their ground game and keep defenses honest.
Beyond the running back woes, Dallas faces additional challenges. The team’s run defense remains a concern, raising questions about their ability to stop opposing ground attacks. Combined with the uncertainty in the running back room, these issues paint a troubling picture for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
As training camp progresses, the Cowboys must address their running back deficiencies to avoid a potential collapse in 2025. Schottenheimer’s ability to maximize the talent in the backfield—whether it’s Sanders, Williams, or the promising Blue—will be critical. With a potent passing game and a bolstered offensive line, Dallas has the pieces to succeed, but the running back room’s struggles could prove to be their Achilles’ heel.
For now, Cowboys fans have plenty of reasons to be nervous. If the ground game doesn’t improve, the team’s lofty goals could crumble under the weight of an unbalanced offense and a shaky defense. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is on for Dallas to find answers before the season kicks off.