The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2024 NFL season without making significant moves in free agency, arguably ranking as the least active team in the league.

Despite having several areas that needed improvement, fans were particularly puzzled by the team’s approach to the running back position. With Tony Pollard, the starter from 2023, hitting free agency, the Cowboys faced a critical need.

Owner Jerry Jones chose to re-sign Ezekiel Elliott for a second term, while notable players like Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Saquon Barkley found new teams.

This decision led to a running back committee that includes Elliott, Rico Dowdle, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020, and Deuce Vaughn, a sixth-round pick in 2023.

As the Cowboys enter their bye week with a 3-3 record, they currently sit at the bottom of the NFL in rushing yards per game, averaging just 77.2 yards.

Given the team’s struggles in running the ball, basketball Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal decided to take matters into his own hands.

In a recent episode of “The Big Podcast” with Shaq, the NBA icon spoke with free-agent running back Leonard Fournette.

Upon confirming that Fournette was still available, O’Neal directed a message to Jerry Jones and the Cowboys.

“Jerry Jones. Jerry Jones. It’s me, your boy, Shaq. Look at him [Fournette], looking good, six pack… he’s ready to go,” O’Neal urged. He emphasized to Jones that it was time to take action.

Fournette supported O’Neal’s plea, reminding Jones that he is still only 29 years old.

Despite their appeals, it seems the Cowboys are committed to utilizing primarily Dowdle and Elliott. Dowdle is leading the team with 246 rushing yards on 59 carries, while Elliott has managed 115 yards on 38 attempts.

Vaughn has had limited opportunities, with just seven carries for 20 yards this season.

Additionally, the Cowboys have Dalvin Cook on their practice squad but have not yet promoted him to the active roster.

While it would make sense for Dallas to consider bringing in a new running back, it’s likely that Jones and his team want to evaluate what Cook can contribute first.

Fournette’s NFL career began with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he was the fourth overall pick in the 2017 draft.

Over three seasons with the Jaguars, he accumulated 2,631 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in 36 games.

In 2020, he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he added another 1,847 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns over 43 games.

Fournette also has playoff experience, participating in nine postseason games, including a Super Bowl victory with the Buccaneers, during which he scored nine touchdowns.

With the Cowboys facing ongoing challenges in their running game, fans are left wondering if Jones will heed O’Neal’s call and consider bringing in a proven player like Fournette or explore other options.

The upcoming weeks will likely reveal the team’s strategy moving forward.