Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It took until Week 9, but the Dallas Cowboys looked like they finally cracked the running back code in Sunday's win. Javonte Williams and Tyler Goodson ran all over the Indianapolis Colts, combining for 188 rushing yards on 32 carries.
Williams handled 20 carries, while Goodson received 12 carries. And the distribution likely would have been more even if Goodson hadn't left briefly with a knee injury.
Despite returning to the game, Goodson is expected to miss time with his injury, Stephen Jones revealed on 105.3 The Fan on Monday. Brian Schottenheimer later confirmed that Goodson will be out for "multiple weeks." A sneaky big blow to an offense that finally entrusted a RB not named Javonte Williams with a bigger role.
While Dallas has Israel Abanikanda and Jashaun Corbin on the practice squad, it would make sense to add more depth to the backfield. The Cowboys could even pursue a more established option to ensure the ground game doesn't miss a beat.
Remember: The Texans signed Emari Demercado off Dallas' practice squad last week. Demercado is not an option to replace Goodson.
3 potential Tyler Goodson repalcements for the Cowboys
1. Tony Pollard (trade)
For the record, I do not endorse trading assets for an aging running back on an expiring contract. Sunday proved once again that the Cowboys aren't a good team. But in the name of keeping the running game humming, it's fair to wonder if the front office is pondering a Pollard reunion.
At 1-7, the Tennessee Titans meet all the criteria of a trade deadline seller. They should absolutely be shopping a 29-year-old RB who'll be a free agent in two months.
Whether they do so is another story, but Pollard is in the midst of an excellent season despite the struggles of second-year quarterback Cam Ward. Here's a look at where Pollard ranks among his peers (minimum 100 carries):
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Stat Rank
595 rushing yards 12th
4.5 yards per carry 10th
3.53 yards after contact per carry 7th
23 missed tackles forced 14th
469 yards after contact 7th
Impressive numbers, given that Ward is 25th in EPA per play and 23rd in passing success rate this season. Opponents are daring Ward to beat them (selling out to stop the run), and Pollard hasn't been denied.
The former Cowboy may prove too expensive. Dallas shouldn't pay anything more than a fifth-round pick, but I wouldn't be stunned if Pollard's name hasn't been thrown around The Star in light of Goodson's injury.
2. Dameon Pierce
Pierce is available after he was released by the Eagles with an injury settlement. According to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, the veteran RB has already received interest around the league, with the Jaguars, Dolphins, Ravens, Cardinals, Titans, Panthers and 49ers all reaching out to his camp.
The Cowboys got an up-close look at Pierce pretty recently in their 38-21 win in Philadelphia in Week 7. Rotating in with a hobbled Saquon Barkley, Pierce toted the rock 14 times for 47 yards and a touchdown.
Pierce's running style is very similar to that of Javonte Williams. He's a bowling ball who runs to contact and isn't afraid to lower his shoulder to pick up extra yards. He won't bring the same explosiveness that Goodson offered, but his physicality and ability to grind out tough yards would give Dallas another runner capable of wearing down the opposition.
It's slim pickings at this point in the calendar.
3. Kendre Miller
Credit where it's due: Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram first floated Miller as a possible Goodson replacement.
A third-round pick by the Saints in 2023, Miller is arguably the most intriguing name available after New Orleans surprisingly released him over the weekend.
As Harris astutely noted, Cowboys running backs coach Darrick Forrest spent time on the Saints' staff alongside Miller in 2024. Miller is also a Mount Enterprise, TX, native and starred for TCU in college, rushing for 1,399 yards and 17 touchdowns on 6.7 yards per carry in his final year in Fort Worth before leaving for the NFL.
Injuries have hindered Miller's development since entering the league. He's appeared in just 27 games over four seasons, including a 2025 campaign that was cut short by a torn ACL.
Miller didn't participate in athletic testing at the combine or TCU's pro day, but he has speed to burn. Like Goodson, he possesses an extra gear that Javonte Williams, for all his strengths, simply doesn't have.
It couldn't hurt to take a flier on him. Perhaps a return to his home state is exactly what Miller needs to get his career back on track.