As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Cowboys face a crucial opportunity to address their roster challenges stemming from a lackluster offseason.

The most pressing issue for Dallas is at running back, especially after they let Tony Pollard depart in free agency without adequately replacing him.

The Cowboys chose not to draft a running back, and their sole significant signing was Ezekiel Elliott, who has struggled to regain his former effectiveness. Currently, the team ranks last in the NFL with just 463 rushing yards.

Fortunately for the Cowboys, there may be a chance to secure a running back as the trade deadline nears.

While the focus has mainly been on wide receivers in recent pre-deadline deals, the running back market could gain traction in the coming days.

However, the challenge lies in the fact that Jerry Jones, the team’s owner, has traditionally been hesitant to make trades during the season.

AsYet, if the need for a stronger running game becomes undeniable, it

Ocould persuade even Jones to consider a deal.

ESPN recently highlighted a potential target for the Cowboys: demoted Jaguars running back Travis Etienne.

In his first two seasons with Jacksonville, Etienne made a significant impact, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and accumulating 2,133 rushing yards overall.

He also excelled as a pass-catcher, contributing 792 receiving yards out of the backfield.

This season, however, Etienne has seen his role diminished, managing only 230 rushing yards over six games and just nine carries in the past two weeks.

This represents a sharp decline for the former first-round pick from Clemson, who set the ACC career rushing record with 4,952 yards in college.

ESPN suggests that trading for Etienne could be a smart move for the Cowboys.

If the defense regains its health, the team as a whole might improve, making the need for a dynamic running back even more critical.

While Etienne isn’t a perfect solution and has arguably lost his starting position to Tank Bigsby, he still possesses significant big-play potential and can effectively catch passes out of the backfield.

His arrival could add much-needed explosiveness to the Cowboys’ offense, enhancing Rico Dowdle’s role.

Sean Deveney, a seasoned sports journalist, has been covering the NBA, NFL, and MLB for Heavy.com since 2019.

With over 20 years of experience, including 17 as the lead NBA reporter for the Sporting News, Deveney has authored seven nonfiction books, such as “Fun City,” “Before Wrigley Became Wrigley,” and “Facing Michael Jordan.”

As the deadline looms, the Cowboys’ ability to act decisively could determine their chances of turning around their rushing game.

The possibility of acquiring Etienne presents a compelling option for a team looking to rejuvenate its offense and find a more dynamic presence in the backfield.

With the clock ticking down, Dallas must weigh its options carefully, considering the balance between immediate needs and long-term strategy.

If the Cowboys can secure a player like Etienne, it could help revitalize an offense that desperately needs a spark.

In summary, the Cowboys stand at a pivotal moment where a well-timed trade could enhance their season and address critical weaknesses.

The spotlight now turns to how they will navigate this trade deadline and whether they will make the moves necessary to improve their chances for success moving forward.