It’s no secret that the [running back position is an issue for the Dallas Cowboys](https://thelandryhat.com/cowboys-injury-crisis-just-got-worse-jaydon-blue-early-exit-from-practice) right now. The overall talent on the roster leaves a lot to be desired, but injuries have really hampered this unit over the last week. Jaydon Blue is dealing with a bruised heel, and Miles Sanders has missed the last two weeks with a lower-body injury.
[Deuce Vaughn just returned to practice](https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/cowboys-deuce-vaughn-resumes-practicing-thursday/) this week after suffering another hamstring injury, but the expectation is that he will play in Week 1 of the preseason despite limited practice reps.
And with Javonte Williams, Blue, and Sanders all out for their preseason contest against the Rams, Vaughn and Phil Mafah are expected to share the load in the backfield.
This is the last shot for Deuce Vaughn on the Dallas Cowboys
------------------------------------------------------------
While it’s true that the Cowboys need running back help, Vaughn hasn’t done much to improve his standing in Dallas. He’s had a hard time staying on the field over the last two years and when he played, it has been less than stellar. Vaughn is averaging only 2.8 yards per carry in his NFL career (40 carries) and his lack of size prohibits him from helping out in pass protection.
However, this is a great chance for Vaughn to show that he deserves to be on the roster. You can make a case that he is the best receiving back on the roster and he does have value as a kick returner.
Vaughn does have a good track record of making defenders miss in the open field, but his lack of power and is inability to break arm tackles have been an issue for him in the past.
Vaughn is going to get plenty of touches over the next three preseason games, and with a strong performance, there is a chance he could beat out one of the veteran running backs on the roster. He is still on his rookie contract, and pairing him with Blue and someone like Williams makes sense on paper.
Keep an eye on Vaughn throughout the preseason as this is likely is his last show to prove that he belongs on an NFL roster. It’s hard to believe he’s going to get many other shots given his size, so here is to hoping that he makes the most of his opportunity.