5 reasons the Cowboys shouldn’t worry about Ezekiel Elliott suspension

1. Running Back Depth

As the Cowboys’ primary running back in 2015, with the aforementioned offensive line in place, Darren McFadden had over 1,000 rushing yards (4.6 yards per carry) and 40 receptions. So he’s capable of filling part of the void left by Elliott.

Alfred Morris hardly played last year, in his first year with the Cowboys, with 69 carries for 243 yards and two touchdowns as Elliott’s primary backup. But he proved capable of being a workhorse back over his first three NFL seasons with the Washington Redskins, topping 1,000 yards on the ground with no less than 265 carries and seven rushing touchdowns each season from 2012-2014. Morris has significant limitations as a pass catcher, with 50 receptions in five seasons and a single season high of 17 catches (2014), but as a capable early down back he still has a place in today’s NFL.

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McFadden and Morris are in line to split carries in Elliott’s absence, perhaps with a slight tilt toward McFadden since he can catch passes better and be a three-down back. But the Cowboys have two backs that have been productive in the league, and while there’s no replacing Elliott they’re in a better position than most teams would be to try to do it.