This week, the Cowboys added another option to bolster their committee approach: Tyler Goodson, a former NFL backup with a track record as a fast, versatile back. Goodson initially signed with Green Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2023 before moving to Indianapolis, where he appeared in 33 games over three seasons. He totaled 54 rushing attempts for 264 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and contributed as a key contributor on special teams with 304 snaps across the past two seasons. That experience on special teams is particularly valuable for a roster that has relied on Davis’s disruptive ability on coverage units.
Goodson’s journey through the NFL has included stops with multiple teams. After leaving Green Bay, he joined the Colts, where he logged a meaningful amount of snaps in the backfield and on special teams. He later spent time with Atlanta during a tumultuous period in his career, moving to the Falcons’ practice squad after brief stints on their active roster. The Cowboys moved quickly to bring Goodson aboard, aiming to inject speed and playmaking potential into their backfield rotation alongside Williams and Demercado.
From a profile perspective, Goodson is a compact, explosive runner. At Iowa, he produced a standout final college season with 1,151 rushing yards and six touchdowns, complemented by a 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds. Measuring about 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds, he brings a low center of gravity and burst that can help him slip through creases and accelerate through open lanes. His background as a dependable special-teams player adds value beyond straight-ahead rushing and could help the Cowboys in coverage and return duties.
Dallas has faced ongoing challenges in establishing a consistent run game this season. Even with Williams delivering the majority of the carries, the team has struggled to assert the line of scrimmage and sustain long drives. In the Week 2 contest against New York, the Cowboys ran the ball only 18 times, with Williams receiving 12 carries. The limited rushing volume was partly due to game flow—Dallas trailed for much of the game and needed to strike quickly through the air—yet it underscored the need for more dependable depth behind Williams.
Williams himself has contributed as a receiver, tallying five receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown in the recent game, illustrating his dual-threat potential. The addition of Goodson could provide a complementary style to Williams, giving the offense a different look: Goodson’s speed and change-of-pace abilities could help balance out Williams’s physical, between-the-t tackles rushing style. Demercado, who has familiarity with the offense and showed promise in extended action, will also have opportunities to carve out a more consistent role as he learns blocking schemes and route-running responsibilities.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys will likely continue to evaluate several options, including third-down backs and special-teams contributors, as they figure out the optimal combination for a productive rushing attack. The goal will be to establish a more balanced attack that can both protect the quarterback and exploit defenses with efficient, timely runs. Strong play from Williams remains central, but the improved depth at the position should help Dallas sustain drives and reduce the burden on any single back.
Injury-driven roster changes are a natural part of the NFL season, and Dallas has demonstrated a willingness to pursue add-ons when a season-opening plan encounters unforeseen obstacles. Goodson’s arrival provides a new dimension to the backfield—speed and burst that can stretch defenses and create opportunities for early down runs or shock plays in the passing game. If he adapts quickly to the Cowboys’ playbook and special-teams responsibilities, Goodson could emerge as a meaningful contributor in the later stages of the season.
As always, the Cowboys’ offensive identity centers on a balanced approach that leverages Williams’s power, Demercado’s development, and Goodson’s speed. How this trio translates into consistency on game days will determine how effectively Dallas can control the clock, protect their lead, and keep defenses guessing in the defensive backfield. The evolving backfield dynamic remains one of the season’s notable narratives, with the hope that the new additions help stabilize a position that has been a work in progress for the team.
