As expected, the Dallas Cowboys have been experimenting with using pint-sized running back Deuce Vaughn as a receiver out of the slot during organized team activities this offseason. The second-year back was seen on Thursday at OTAs taking reps out of the slot as head coach Mike McCarthy looks to add some wrinkles to his offense going into Year 2 as the play-caller. Vaughn has also been taking backup returner reps to KaVontae Turpin. The 5-foot-6 running back saw limited action last year in his rookie campaign, getting just 30 touches for 80 scrimmage yards. But with Tony Pollard gone, Vaughn should see an increase in snaps in Year 2 in 2024. However, he's still currently third on the RB depth chart in Dallas behind Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, so he's not going to be on the fantasy radar on draft day in standard 12-team leagues.
Deuce Vaughn Could See More Action Out Of The Slot
Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn could see more playing time in the slot next season as a way to utilize his talents in space more often. The 5-foot-6, 176-pounder was taken in the sixth round last year, and he finished with just 23 carries for 40 yards while catching all seven of his targets for 40 yards through the air in seven regular-season games. But with Tony Pollard no longer in town, the Cowboys could look to get Vaughn more involved in the passing game to capitalize on Vaughn's burst, quickness and change-of-direction abilities in open space. It would make him intriguing as a sleeper in PPR leagues, but the fact remains that Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott will likely be ahead of Vaughn on the RB depth chart. For now, it's just something to watch for fantasy managers in deep PPR formats.
The Dallas Cowboys placed rookie running back Deuce Vaughn (ankle) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday and activated defensive lineman Viliami Fehoko (knee) from Injured Reserve in a corresponding move. Vaughn's move to IR is a sign that Rico Dowdle (ankle) should be OK to play in the Week 18 regular season finale against the Washington Commanders on Sunday after he sat out last week's win over the Detroit Lions on Saturday. The 22-year-old Vaughn was the talk of training camp over the summer, but he never really found a meaningful role with Tony Pollard and Dowdle in front of him in his rookie season. He finishes his first year in the NFL with 23 carries for 40 yards and seven catches for an additional 40 yards through the air. With Vaughn now out heading into the playoffs, Malik Davis will serve as the team's No. 3 RB.
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Deuce Vaughn could have a role in a Week 17 game against the Detroit Lions. With usual backup Rico Dowdle (ankle) already ruled out, Vaughn could play the backup and change of pace role behind starter Tony Pollard. Vaughn hasn't been active since Week 10 and has totaled just 38 rushing yards all season, so it's hard to know what to expect, but there's a clear path to a role on offense for the rookie this week.
Deuce Vaughn A Healthy Scratch For First Time This Year
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Deuce Vaughn is a healthy scratch on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers for the first time in his first year in the NFL. Vaughn, unexpectedly, hasn't seen much of a role in Dallas' backfield through his first five games despite being a standout in training camp over the summer. The 5-foot-6, pint-sized running back only has 20 rushing attempts for 40 yards (2.0 yards per carry) while catching all five of his targets for 19 additional yards. Tony Pollard continues on as Dallas' lead back. Rico Dowdle is his primary backup. The Cowboys elevated Malik Davis to the active roster ahead of Monday's game against the Chargers, which is why Vaughn will be inactive.
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Deuce Vaughn was included on the team's 53-man roster entering the 2023 regular season. The Cowboys cut Malik Davis to trim the roster down on Tuesday, leaving Vaughn and Rico Dowdle to battle for backup duties to open the season behind Tony Pollard. Ronald Jones will miss the first two games of the season due to a suspension. The pint-sized 21-year-old Vaughn impressed the coaching staff throughout training camp and the preseason. He had 13 carries for 64 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and aught all four of his targets for five yards in two preseason games. The 5-foot-5 RB is one to watch in deep PPR leagues, but he should go undrafted in most single-year leagues.
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Deuce Vaughn scored another touchdown in a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. Vaughn ran the ball five times, gaining 14 yards, scoring a touchdown. It was Vaughn's second touchdown of the preseason, as he's been quite impressive and may be earning himself a role on the final Dallas roster for the regular season.
Deuce Vaughn Runs Well In His First Preseason Game
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Deuce Vaughn played well in his first NFL action on Saturday, in the Cowboys first preseason game. Vaughn ran the ball eight times, gaining 50 yards and scoring a touchdown. Vaughn, the Cowboys sixth-round pick, also caught all three of his targets, gaining six yards. He won't earn a starting role just yet, but he does seem to have a clear path to the roster if he stays healthy.
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Deuce Vaughn has been a standout during training camp this summer. "Deuce is everything we thought he would be, in terms of his run instincts and his lack of stature, I'll call it, which a lot of people view as a weakness, (but) he knows how to use it as a weapon," RBs coach Jeff Blasko said. Vaughn is only 5-foot-6, 176 pounds, the shortest player to be measured at the NFL combine. He's been stellar with the fundamentals and has been above-average in the passing game. His routes are crisp and his hands have been a sure thing. Pass protection could be an issue because of his size, but his abilities on special teams also add to his value for a potential roster spot. The sixth-rounder won't be on the fantasy radar for 2023 drafts, but he could provide depth behind Tony Pollard, Malik Davis, Rico Dowdle and Ronald Jones.
