Dallas Cowboys, CeeDee Lamb, NFL
Why Aren’t the Cowboys Using CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin in the Run Game? 1
The Dallas Cowboys have found plenty of ways to move the football through the air. The ground game has been a different story. Dak Prescott just put together a four-touchdown performance against the Washington Commanders; however, the Cowboys still managed only 66 rushing yards in that Week 2 win.
That has Jerry Jones looking for answers. The Cowboys owner recently brought up using CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin in the run game. It sounds creative, especially with the Cowboys lacking depth behind Javonte Williams; however, head coach Brian Schottenheimer made it clear Wednesday that this is not exactly where the coaching staff wants to start.
Brian Schottenheimer Explains Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin Plans
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Jun 16, 2026; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Schottenheimer spoke to reporters on September 23, ahead of practice, and was asked about the possibility of getting Lamb and Turpin more involved as runners.
“I mean it’s not the first choice but any way we can find touches for our players we want to do it.”
“A run game usually takes a little bit of time and not pleased with where it’s at-at all.”
This week Jerry Jones brought up the idea of using KaVonte Turpin and CeeDee Lamb in the run game.
HC Brian Shottenheimer says “I mean it’s not the first choice but any way we can find touches for our players we want to do it.”
He says they aren’t doing a great job blocking…
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 23, 2026
There is a reason for that hesitation. Schottenheimer pointed directly at the Cowboys‘ blocking as one of the biggest problems holding the rushing attack back. He said Dallas has not done a good enough job of blocking, which has played a major role in the team not calling many runs. Even when the Cowboys finally create a big rushing play, penalties have gotten in the way.
That leaves the Cowboys with a pretty simple problem. They need better blocking before changing who is carrying the football. The numbers explain the frustration. Javonte Williams has 71 rushing yards on 24 carries through two games. He had only 30 yards against the Commanders, while Prescott finished second on the team with 26 rushing yards.
The Cowboys also have less depth to work with after Malik Davis suffered a hip injury that required surgery before the season opener. Tyler Smith is another major absence up front after undergoing thumb surgery and landing on injured reserve.
That is where Turpin could become useful. Dallas already used him on one rushing attempt against Washington; however, it went for just one yard. His speed gives the Cowboys a way to create a different look without asking him to become the primary running back.
For now, Schottenheimer’s comments suggest that the Cowboys aren’t rushing toward that idea. If the blocking improves, Williams can get going and the ground game starts producing; there may be little reason to force Lamb or Turpin into a bigger rushing role.