Javonte Williams has secured the starting role, but an unproven depth chart leaves Dallas weighing veteran reinforcements like Nick Chubb to fortify the backfield for 2026.
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams is coming off a career year, rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 TDs, and he is set to enter 2026 as Brian Schotteheimer's No. 1 guy.
In truth, for the first time in recent memory, there isn't a big question mark hanging over who will be the Cowboys' starter behind Dak Prescott, and that's refreshing.
But there are concerns for some of Cowboys Nation with who is behind Javonte.
As we turn for Oxnard and training camp, it is Jaydon Blue, Malik Davis, and Phil Mafah as the three who will be vying for reps in Schottenheimer's offense.
Davis has been a bit-part player during his career, and he showed some good signs last season. Blue is an unknown commodity, and we know of Dallas' "Thunder and Lightning" plan for him and Javonte.
And lastly is Mafah, who, due to injury, hasn't been able to get much time on the field with the Cowboys since being drafted.
All three will have the chance to prove their worth in training camp, but that brings us to a question that many fans have asked: should the Cowboys look to add a veteran back to the stable?
Right now, that answer is no. But if neither Davis, Blue, nor Mafah shows they are worthy of the backup role, there are a couple of Pro Bowlers Dallas could look at.
Joe Mixon, Nick Chubb and Najee Harris.
In my opinion, Chubb is the one. If I were to give a chance to any of the three, he's the one I'd go with.
Mixon didn't play a down in 2025 thanks to a mysterious foot injury, while Harris tore his Achilles last season. So two players coming back from serious injuries? Thanks, but not thanks.
And as far as Chubb, he played 15 games for the Houston Texans last season, rushing for 506 yards and 3 TDs. At 30 years old, is it at least worth a phone call?
That is a good conversation starter.
Dallas has Davis, Blue, and Mafah as its options to back up Javonte, and given that there are three Pro Bowlers still waiting for another NFL chance, I'd imagine the Cowboys will want one of their three backs to prove their worth.
And if they don't? Well, at least there are options. Even is none are all that enticing.
