Dallas, TX
Running Back Remains a Sneaky Need For Dallas Cowboys in 2026 NFL Draft
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer recently expressed confidence in the young running backs on the Dallas Cowboys roster.
Dallas has plenty of faith in Javonte Williams, who signed a three-year $24 million deal after running for 1,210 yards in his first season with the franchise. Behind him, however, there’s no proven option.
Malik Davis was their top reserve in 2025, rushing for 250 yards. They also have Jaydon Blue, who was inactive for 12 games, and Phil Mafah who played in the finale after spending the majority of the year on the IR. While Schottenheimer claims he has faith in them, the Cowboys should still look for more depth in the 2026 NFL draft.
Javonte Williams’ injury history should be taken into account
One of the primary reasons the Cowboys need a backup capable of stepping up is Williams’ injury history. Williams struggled with health during his tenure with the Denver Broncos, even admitting he thought his career could be in doubt following a significant knee injury in 2022.
In Dallas, he stayed relatively healthy, playing in 16 games. That said, a shoulder injury did slow him down as the season went along. Williams had to leave during their Week 17 win over the Washington Commanders, then sat out the season finale due to the injury.
Keeping him fresh would be key to success down the stretch, which is why the Cowboys need someone on the roster who can take some of the weight off of Williams.
Which running backs make sense for the Cowboys?
The good news is that Dallas doesn’t need to use an early pick on a running back. They can find someone who can contribute on Day 3, and they’ve shown interest in a couple of backs.
Dallas sent running backs coach Derrick Foster to Wake Forest’s Pro Day where he watched Demond Claiborne run his drills. While Foster was at Wake Forest, assistant running backs coach Jamel Mutunga attended Emmett Johnson’s Pro Day for Nebraska.
At 188 pounds, Claiborne is a potential scat back with breakaway speed whereas Johnson would be a more traditional RB2 for Dallas. The 202-pounder is known for his consistency and while he won’t break many big runs, he can move the chains.
Our own Mike Moraitis identified an under-the-radar option in Kentucky’s Seth McGowan. Another potential Day 3 pick, McGowan is a 223-pounder who not only does the dirty work between the tackles, but is a decent option in the passing game as well.
The Cowboys could improve their backfield with any of these three selections, without using a premium pick. What they shouldn’t do, however, is bank on unproven players at such a key position.
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1. Dorance Armstrong Jr., EDGE, Commanders
This one makes too much sense to me to not talk about.
Dorance Armstrong is a player the Commanders could cut ties with to save some cap space. For Dallas, this would not be some mystery evaluation because the Cowboys know exactly who Armstrong is.
They drafted him, and watched him grow into a dependable pass rusher.
I’m not saying Dorance Armstrong is some game-wrecking superstar, but he’s an edge defender who can give good snaps, set the edge, chase quarterbacks, and fit into a rotation without needing the whole defense built around him.
The NFC East part gives it extra spice, too. Bringing back a former Cowboy from Washington would get some attention, but the football part is what sells it. Dallas needs waves of pressure and Armstrong brings another wave.
2. Uchenna Nwosu, EDGE/LB, Seahawks
Uchenna Nwosu is the kind of name that doesn’t scream headline, but fits the job description.
Seattle’s roster lists Nwosu as a linebacker, and shows him at 6’2, 265 pounds with nine years of experience. He is credited with seven sacks during the Seahawks’ 2025 season.
That’s the kind of veteran pass rusher I would love to see Dallas pick up if the money doesn’t get weird.
Nwosu isn’t a luxury piece, but he is insurance. He’s the type of player I feel would keep the Cowboys from putting too much stress on the same pass rushers every week.
You can never have enough guys who can heat up the pocket, especially in a conference where every playoff road seems to run through quarterbacks who can make you pay if they get comfortable.
More than 100 people gathered Friday night at a high school near the sealed‑off blast zone to honor the victims of the deadly explosion at The Clyde apartments in Oak Cliff.
The vigil – filled with hymns, prayers, and candles – brought together neighbors, local leaders, and pastors, many of whom were personally connected to those who died.
Just down the street, the debris field marks where three people were killed and five others injured when an explosion and fire tore through the complex earlier in the day.
Remembering Sylvia Collins
Among those honored was Sylvia Collins, a Democratic Party precinct chair known for her energy, advocacy, and signature raised‑fist rally pose.
State Rep. Cassandra Garcia‑Hernandez reflected on the loss, saying she couldn’t imagine taking another “fist‑up photo” with Collins.
State Sen. Royce West urged the community to remember Collins by continuing the work she championed.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the other two victims, believed to be a young woman and her toddler.
Search and Recovery Complete, Cause Still Unknown
Dallas Fire‑Rescue Chief Justin Ball confirmed that the search and recovery phase is complete, though he declined to comment on whether construction crews digging near the property may have struck a natural gas line before the blast.
Ball also defended the actions of firefighters who were on scene for up to 10 minutes before the explosion without ordering evacuations. He said crews first had to locate the source of the gas odor, secure a water supply, and gear up before they could begin clearing the building.
Lawsuit Filed Against Atmos Energy
One survivor has already filed a lawsuit against Atmos Energy, accusing the utility of failing to properly monitor for gas leaks. Attorney Sadi Antonmattei‑Goitia said incidents like this “don’t happen without bad decisions being made.”
Atmos did not respond to questions about the lawsuit but issued a statement saying the company’s “hearts go out to the people who were tragically lost, their families, and everyone who has been impacted.”
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