In the wake of Pro Bowl running back Tony Pollard's departure to the Tennessee Titans, the Dallas Cowboys are left with a void in their running game. The team's failure to select a replacement for Pollard during the recent NFL Draft has raised questions about their strategy moving forward.

The Cowboys' front office considered reaching for a running back in the draft, but ultimately, they prioritized addressing their offensive and defensive lines. The gap between their third-round pick and their fifth-round pick played a role in many potential running back targets being snatched by other teams.

According to Stephen Jones, Executive Vice President of the Cowboys, the team remained committed to their draft board. However, circumstances did not align for them to select a running back when their turn came up. Numerous running backs within their preferred range of picks had already been claimed by other teams, leaving the Cowboys empty-handed.

Despite this setback, the Cowboys remain confident in finding a solution to their running back situation. The team believes they will have opportunities throughout the offseason to address the position. They recognize the importance of a strong offensive line in making the job of a running back easier and feel they have made significant strides in bolstering their offensive line during the draft.

Head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged the youth of the running back group but expressed optimism about their potential. Players like Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Royce Freeman, Hunter Luepke, and Malik Davis are viewed as viable options to contribute to the running back rotation. McCarthy believes they will benefit from a second year in his offensive system.

Additionally, the Cowboys have not ruled out the possibility of adding a veteran free agent to strengthen their running back depth. Stephen Jones indicated that the team is actively exploring options and mentioned the potential signings of Ezekiel Elliott, Stephon Gilmore, or Jayron Kearse.

Owner Jerry Jones expressed his unwavering faith in Ezekiel Elliott, who is currently a free agent. Despite a decline in production in his last season with the New England Patriots, Elliott's past accomplishments, including being a three-time Pro Bowler and a 2016 First Team All-Pro, make him an attractive option for the Cowboys.

Jones believes Elliott brings a positive influence and winning mentality to the team. He emphasized that Elliott's impact extends beyond the field, making him a valuable asset to the organization. The Cowboys are open to signing him regardless of the timing.

As the offseason progresses, the Cowboys understand that their running back situation is far from settled. They remain optimistic about finding the right pieces to strengthen their backfield and continue their pursuit of success in the upcoming season.

It remains to be seen which running backs from their current roster will emerge as the primary starter for the 2024 season. The Cowboys are prepared to explore all avenues, including potential acquisitions in the veteran free agent market, to solidify their running game and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming campaign.

In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys will need to address their running back dilemma following the departure of Tony Pollard. While the draft did not yield a replacement, the team is confident in their ability to find a solution through the offseason. The addition of a veteran free agent, potentially including Ezekiel Elliott, could provide the missing piece for the Cowboys' running game.