Rico Dowdle injury update: Latest on Cowboys RB for Fantasy Football Week 5

Running back Rico Dowdle had a wrist injury designation on the Dallas Cowboys' injury report on Thursday, but he was still able to log full practice participation.

Dowdle's inclusion on the injury report raises concerns, but given that he participated fully in practice, it should be no problem for him to play in Week 5. Fantasy managers need not fret too much about the RB's categorization on Thursday's injury report.

Rico Dowdle, 26, has missed 31 games since joining the NFL in 2020, most of which have been due to injuries. Due to a hip injury, he missed the entire 2021 season. In addition, he missed 12 games in 2022 due to an ankle ailment.

However, now in his fifth season, we've already seen a much better Dowdle get more playing time in the Cowboys' backfield during the first few games of the current campaign.

Dowdle has 134 total yards through four games this season, compared to just 361 total yards throughout last year. He will be looking to stay fit to have probably the best season of his career in 2024.

Ezekiel Elliott, Dowdle's fellow running back, also appeared on Thursday's injury report. Dehydration was the reason for his limited participation, so it's probably not a major problem for the seasoned RB. He should be fit to play on Sunday night as well.

However, given that Elliot will be facing the formidable run defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5, he should not be included in fantasy managers' lineups this week.

The Cowboys will make available the game statuses of their players on Friday, providing additional insight into how injuries may affect Sunday's Week 5 showdown against the Steelers.

Rico Dowdle's fantasy projection for Week 5

Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott have been dividing the workload this season in the Dallas Cowboys' backfield, but the former has been dominating with more rushes of late.

Nevertheless, Dowdle is still a low-end flex option in fantasy football going into a challenging game against the Pittsburgh Steelers' rushing defense in Week 5.

This season, the Steelers haven't allowed an opponent to get more than 100 rushing yards. Furthermore, no player has scored more than one touchdown on the ground against the team this season.

Dowdle has 26 rushes for 108 yards and zero touchdowns this season. He also has 68 receiving yards from eight catches for one touchdown.