The Dallas Cowboys, after an easy Week 1 victory, struggled early in their home opener against the New Orleans Saints.

Despite being favored, Dallas allowed the Saints to score a touchdown on their first drive. After settling for a field goal, the Cowboys then gave up a 70-yard touchdown to Rashid Shaheed, finding themselves trailing 14-6 early in the second quarter.

With Derek Carr exploiting Mike Zimmer’s defense, the pressure was on Mike McCarthy’s offense to respond. However, a surprising development emerged in the Cowboys’ backfield.

Fan favorite Rico Dowdle started the game as the primary running back, while Ezekiel Elliott, the former starter, did not see the field during the first drive. Even third-stringer Deuce Vaughn received a carry before Elliott.

Elliott’s first snap came late in the first quarter, after Dowdle had led a 13-play scoring drive without him.

This shift was unexpected, especially since Elliott had performed well in Week 1 against the Browns, rushing for 40 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Although Dowdle faced tougher defensive formations, Elliott still showed promise in his limited touches.

McCarthy had indicated over the summer that the Cowboys would use a running back committee, but Elliott was listed as the starter for Week 1.

Despite his solid performance against the Browns, McCarthy’s decision to start Dowdle may be part of a plan to keep the 29-year-old Elliott fresh. Vaughn’s four early carries further suggest Elliott might not be the feature back moving forward, signaling a potential change in the Cowboys’ running back rotation.