The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 offense had its share of struggles and inconsistencies. An injury to quarterback Dak Prescott contributed to their 7-10 finish, despite the fact that he and CeeDee Lamb form a powerful duo.
PFSN ranks them 23rd headed into the 2025 season, and the team is hoping that improvements made to the roster during the offseason help to bolster the backfield. But could one of their latest additions be in danger of missing the 53-man roster?
Could a New Cowboys’ Running Back’s Roster Spot Already Be in Jeopardy?
Javonte Williams came to Dallas looking for a fresh start, but training camp might determine whether he gets one. With the Cowboys’ backfield loaded with talent and Brian Schottenheimer calling the shots, even a proven veteran with 16 career touchdowns isn’t guaranteed a roster spot when cuts come down.
Williams arrived in Dallas with expectations of leading the Cowboys’ ground game, but job security remains elusive. Despite widespread assumptions that the former Denver Bronco would claim the RB1 role, questions are surfacing about whether he’s even a lock for the final 53-man roster.
PFSN’s Jacob Infante included Williams among his surprise cut candidates for the 2025 season. “Williams should be the favorite,” Infante wrote, “but if a couple of other backs get hot, he could be a surprise cut candidate.”
“The Cowboys have three intriguing young backs on their roster in Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah and Deuce Vaughn. They also signed Miles Sanders this offseason.”
The concern isn’t baseless. Williams has averaged under four yards per carry in back-to-back seasons while now competing in a backfield loaded with potential. Miles Sanders, Jaydon Blue, and Deuce Vaughn are all pushing for carries, and Williams’ $3 million contract offers little protection from roster cuts.
Meanwhile, Infante’s projection that Williams starts Week 1 reflects less confidence in the veteran and more uncertainty about Dallas’ backfield hierarchy. “That says more about the state of their running back room than it says about Williams in particular,” he added.
The numbers tell Williams’ recent story clearly. In 2024, he rushed for 513 yards and four touchdowns on 139 attempts as part of Denver’s system designed to ease him back from ACL surgery. His best season came in 2021, when he totaled 1,219 yards from scrimmage and scored seven times.
But that version of Williams might be long gone.
What Happens if Williams Can’t Separate From the Pack?
If Williams fails to distinguish himself during camp, alternatives abound. Sanders could easily start the season atop the depth chart after building momentum during OTAs and minicamp. Should Blue flash during preseason games, Williams’ position becomes even more precarious.
Adding to these concerns, Bleacher Report flagged him as a potential “bust,” citing his declining explosiveness and the crowded competition. However, calling Williams a bust seems premature when Dallas hasn’t even defined his expected role.
In a committee approach, Schottenheimer could simply ride whoever performs best. If that player isn’t Williams, the Cowboys may choose to cut ties entirely.
Training camp in Oxnard will provide answers. The Cowboys have plenty of options at their disposal. The fact that Williams, despite four years of NFL experience and 16 total touchdowns, finds himself in this conversation reveals just how wide open this backfield battle truly is.
