The Dallas Cowboys secured a crucial 34-26 victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 12, with running back Rico Dowdle once again proving to be a decisive factor. As the Cowboys sought consistency in their ground game, Dowdle’s contributions, both rushing and receiving, stood out, mirroring his impactful Week 5 performance against the Steelers.

And based on the Monday injury report in this short week? The running game may come in handy on Thursday against the visiting Giants. Dowdle totaled 19 carries for 86 yards on the ground and added three receptions for 12 yards, providing stability for Dallas’ offense throughout the Washington game.

Dowdle recorded 20 carries for 87 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 27 receiving yards in Dallas’s victory over the Steelers. His highest touches in other games cap out at 12. His ability to move the chains helped the Cowboys maintain possession over the Commanders, especially in key late-game scenarios, allowing quarterback Cooper Rush to capitalize with a pair of touchdown passes.

Rush completed 24 of 32 passes for 247 yards and two scores, effectively managing the game and targeting key playmakers, including tight end Luke Schoonmaker, who scored on a 22-yard touchdown catch. The Cowboys’ offense finished with 332 total yards, including 241 through the air, overcoming inefficiencies on third down (2-for-11) to secure the win.

And speaking of Rush … the Monday injury report is out and the 4-7 Cowboys have themselves a dinged-up starting QB. Back at practice at The Star are standouts Tyler Smith and Trevon Diggs, who sat out Sunday. Zack Martin and Jake Ferguson are among those who were unable to go.

And Rush? He is listed as “limited” with a knee issue. Dallas #Cowboys / New York #Giants Practice Report … Diggs & T. Smith back to work, no Martin pic.twitter.com/h2ZCtYOAvU

— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) November 25, 2024 Said coach Mike McCarthy of Rush, playing in place of Dak Prescott, who is injured and out for the year: “He’s got some work to do but I think we’re going to be fine.”

We will assume that Rush is fine. But either way … For the Cowboys, Dowdle’s consistent production throughout the season has made him a critical piece of their offensive identity. With similar performances in two pivotal wins this season, his impact continues to be a key storyline as Dallas aims to build on this victory in the days ahead.