The Dallas Cowboys have announced the release of rookie running back Nathaniel Peat as they work to finalize their 53-man roster. Peat, who was signed as an undrafted free agent following the NFL draft in April, is among several players now looking for a new opportunity. Dallas has until 4 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, to finalize their roster decisions.
In addition to Peat, the Cowboys also released several other players, including wide receiver Deontay Burnett, offensive lineman Cohl Cabral, cornerbacks Josh DeBerry and Eric Scott, linebackers Willie Harvey and Jason Johnson, wideout Cam Johnson, and tight end Alec Holler. Additionally, three players were waived with injury designations: wide receiver David Durden, pass rusher Viliami Fehoko, and defensive end Durrell Johnson.
The running back position remains one of the most competitive spots on the Cowboys’ roster. Currently, the team still has Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, and Snoop Conner on the roster, along with fullback-running back hybrid Hunter Luepke.
Peat had collegiate stints at Stanford and Missouri before joining the Cowboys. However, with the competition at running back, his journey with Dallas has come to an early end.
Roster Predictions: Freeman and Davis on the Bubble
According to Saad Yousuf of The Athletic, Rico Dowdle is expected to start the season as the Cowboys’ lead running back, edging out Ezekiel Elliott in the position battle. Yousuf’s latest roster projections suggest that Dallas will carry only four running backs, with Dowdle, Elliott, Vaughn, and Luepke making the cut. This scenario would likely see Freeman and Davis among the final cuts.
The battle for the last running back spot could come down to Vaughn versus Freeman. Vaughn, who had a slow start to training camp due to injuries, has made the most of his opportunities in preseason games, increasing his chances of securing a spot.
“The Cowboys have embraced a running back-by-committee approach for the season, and Dowdle should get a shot to be the lead,” Yousuf wrote on August 24, 2024, in a story titled, “Final Cowboys 53-man roster projection: Does DaRon Bland’s injury affect decisions?” Yousuf also noted that Elliott is a lock for the roster, serving as a bruiser and pass protector, while Luepke is seen as a versatile fullback who has also taken on some tight-end duties during camp.
The final decision may hinge on the role the Cowboys envision for their third running back and who might be best suited for the practice squad. Vaughn’s strong preseason performance, highlighted by his nine carries for 53 yards in a recent game, has bolstered his case.
Could a Trade Be on the Horizon?
Regardless of which running backs make the final roster, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has hinted that the team might explore a mid-season trade to strengthen the position. This comes after the team passed on drafting a running back earlier this year, suggesting that Dallas could still be looking to add depth during the season.
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