It finally feels like Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle has “arrived” after a seriously good last three weeks.

Part of a running back committee at the start of the season, which produced little returns, since Rico has been named the top dog, he’s feasted. His last three outings have seen him rush for 86, 112, and 131 yards while averaging at least 4.5 yards per carry.

So Dowdle is beginning to heat up and give the offense something it’s been dying out for this season – a viable run game.

But head coach Mike McCarthy knows there’s more under the hood for Rico.

“I’d like to see him take another step frankly,” McCarthy said. “I like to see him be a third-down back, to see him play first, second, and third down. I think clearly he’s doing well with opportunities, his running style, something we’ve always loved about but it’s good to see him taking care of his body and look for him to have another big opportunity Sunday.”

So, the next step in Rico’s evolution as a starting running back is to nail down his pass-protection skills. While already competent in that area, McCarthy clearly wants better returns out of Dowdle in that space.

Such has been Rico’s performances of late; maybe, just maybe, he will be used as part of the running back room in 2025. (He is presently slated to be a free agent.) Whether that is as the starter or not remains to be seen, but there’s no denying that Dowdle is rolling right now and deserves a spot on the roster next season.