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Initial Cowboys depth chart projection 2023: Will Deuce Vaughn push Turpin out?

By Cody Williams

OXNARD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 27 Running back Deuce Vaughn #42 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball during training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields on July 27, 2023 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 27 Running back Deuce Vaughn #42 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball during training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields on July 27, 2023 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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Cowboys depth chart projection, Cowboys 53-man roster prediction
Nov 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) celebrates his touchdown during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Cowboys depth chart projection: Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends

Running Back: Tony Pollard, Deuce Vaughn, Rico Dowdle

All indications are that Tony Pollard is going to be ready for Week 1 after suffering a broken fibula in the Divisional Round game for Dallas.

The depth behind him, however, is going to be a battle. Both Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis have been stars early in training camp so far while rookie Deuce Vaughn has impressed additionally. Whoever stands out in the preseason could earn the edge, but I think Vaughn makes it comfortably and I’m giving the edge to Dowdle over Davis based on his flashes last preseason.

light. Related Story. 3 Cowboys rookies who already look like starters

Wide Receiver: CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Michael Gallup, Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin

There should be little question about the top four on the Cowboys wide receiver depth chart. Lamb has emerged as one of the NFL’s best, Cooks was a splashy offseason signing, and Gallup should make a leap after getting a healthy offseason.

Meanwhile, Jalen Tolbert has been standing out in training camp, which leads us to the No. 5 spot and any other depth.

Jon Machota of The Athletic (subscription required) called rookie Jalen Brooks a real standout in camp thus far. If that continues, I think he pushes his way onto the roster, especially if he can be a solid run-blocker. Then we’re also keeping Turpin here, but that is for his special teams ability as I expect he and Deuce Vaughn to split the return duties this season.

Tight Ends: Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Peyton Hendershot, Sean McKeon

The loss of Dalton Schultz in the offseason shouldn’t actually affect the tight end room too much. That’s the only change, but he’ll likely have Jake Ferguson stepping right into that role immediately with the rookie Schoonmaker working his way into the mix throughout the season. That should be exciting, though, given his upside in light of a lack of overall usage despite flashes at Michigan.

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