Analysis

Dowdle got his head coach's vote of confidence prior to Monday's kickoff, and Mike McCarthy's words rang true after the tailback led Dallas in carries. That's where the good news ended, as the 26-year-old struggled to generate any room to operate in a blowout loss. Unlike star teammate CeeDee Lamb, Dowdle's value may have taken a significant hit by Dak Prescott's (hamstring) season-ending injury. With little threat of a passing attack, opposing defenses can stack the box against Dowdle and Co. like the Texans successfully accomplished Monday. Dowdle should still carry deep-league value, but those in standard formats may have to make difficult decisions as the fantasy playoffs inch closer.

Analysis

Dallas has operated with a committee approach to its backfield so far this season but ranks 31st in rushing yards per game (83.7). Dowdle has been by far the most productive option, recording 4.5 YPC versus Ezekiel Elliott's 3.7, Dalvin Cook's 2.5, Deuce Vaughn's 2.9 and Hunter Luepke's 3.2. In eight appearances, Dowdle has averaged 13.4 touches per game, a number that should increase following McCarthy's comments.

Analysis

Dowdle was off to a good start on the ground before the score got out of hand and forced the team to abandon the run in the second half. Ezekiel Elliott (suspension) returned following a one-game absence, but he produced just 22 yards on six carries while losing a fumble. Dowdle should continue to serve as the Cowboys' top RB despite the team being in disarray at the QB position heading into next Monday's tilt against Houston.

Analysis

The running back produced more than 100 combined yards for the second time in his last three games, and his three-yard TD catch from Dak Prescott (hamstring) in the second quarter was Dowdle's third touchdown reception in his last four contests. He's still looking for his first rushing score of the season, but Dowdle continues to solidify his hold on the starting job in the Cowboys' backfield. Prescott is headed for an MRI on Monday, and if he ends up missing a Week 10 clash with the Eagles, Dallas could lean more heavily on Dowdle with Cooper Rush under center instead.

Analysis

Prior to this past Sunday's game at San Francisco, Dowdle was reported to have an illness that left him questionable to suit up. He was inactive for the Week 8 loss, but the backfield trio of Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook and Hunter Luepke didn't fare well in his stead, combining for 17 carries for 46 yards (2.7 per) and two catches (on two targets) for 14 yards. Dowdle told Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that he had a fever of 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit to go with chills Sunday, but his lack of listing Wednesday indicates he's past the ailment and is in line to retain his No. 1 role out of the Cowboys backfield Week 9 in Atlanta.

Analysis

As Dowdle arrived at Levi's Stadium, he was diagnosed with an illness and deemed questionable to suit up Week 8. With Dowdle's lack of availability confirmed Sunday, the Cowboys backfield will be composed of Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook and Deuce Vaughn. Elliott seems like the best bet to be the team's leading runner, but Cook and Vaughn will be on hand for any reps that linger.

Analysis

Official confirmation of Dowdle's absence will come when the Cowboys release their inactive list, but any fantasy managers relying on Dowdle can start lining up a replacement. In Dowdle's absence, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn and Dalvin Cook -- the latter of whom was elevated from the practice squad Saturday -- will comprise Dallas' backfield.

Analysis

Dowdle led the Cowboys backfield during the first six contests of the season, averaging 12.5 touches for 62.8 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring two TDs through the air. With Dowdle's status now up in the air for Week 8, Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook and Deuce Vaughn are the other running backs on the team's roster.

Analysis

After a breakout game in Week 5, Dowdle was surprisingly thrust back into a split backfield with Ezekiel Elliott. Dowdle managed to out-touch Elliott thanks to his work as a pass catcher and also remained the far more efficient back. While their skill profiles suggest that Dowdle should serve as the clear leader of the backfield moving forward, the Cowboys have been hesitant to fully rely on him heading into their Week 7 bye.