However, this week, Tyler Goodson was active while Demercado was inactive.
Dallas has consistently kept only Javonte Williams, fullback Hunter Luepke and one other running back active all season. This had no impact on Williams' playing time. He’s played 75. 4% of snaps this season, including 75. 2% on early downs and a clear majority of short-yardage, goal-line and two-minute drill snaps. The third-down usage has been less consistent, with Luepke frequently taking snaps from Williams depending on how much Dallas needs a pass blocker in those situations. Goodson played more in this game than Demercado did in either of the first two games, but that was simply because Dallas ran more offensive plays.
Williams remains the clear lead back for the Cowboys, but the situation behind him has changed significantly over the past few weeks. Jaydon Blue was expected to be the top backup after the first week of the preseason, followed by Phil Mafah. Instead, neither made the roster, and Malik Davis won the backup job after serving as the primary backup to end last season. Dallas added Emari Demercado after he was released by the Kansas City Chiefs to serve as its third running back. Davis then suffered a hip injury in practice Thursday and landed on injured reserve. Dallas signed Israel Abanikanda off the practice squad to take Davis’ place, but he was inactive. The Cowboys have often kept only two halfbacks active because Hunter Luepke can also fill that role. Despite the uncertainty behind him, Williams played slightly less than he typically did last season. Luepke handled the majority of the third-down snaps. While Luepke was used in those situations last season, Williams typically played more than 50% of the snaps. That reduced playing time didn’t stop Williams from dominating the backfield touches. The Cowboys' run game wasn’t particularly effective, but Williams scored two touchdowns and caught five passes.
Unlock full player intel
Go beyond the surface with trusted beat-writer insight on every player.
