The Dallas run game has not been good this season, but Rico Dowdle showed progress against the Steelers and it's something to build on.

Rico Dowdle had a breakout performance in Week 5 for the Dallas Cowboys. The fifth-year back had 87 yards on the ground and another 27 through the air and was instrumental in their comeback win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After a career game that saw him post 114 yards from scrimmage, Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle is offering more optimism out of the backfield.

In his past three games, Dowdle has rushed for 165 yards on 39 carries, with zero touchdowns, and has 66 yards receiving on six catches (eight targets) with two TDs. He has accumulated 35.1 fantasy points (11.7 per game).

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) celebrates his touchdown catch with running back Rico Dowdle (23) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, early Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Cowboys won 20-17. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

After a night of career highs in rushing yards and carries, Dowdle kept a souvenir from his best game as a pro.

In his best game of the season -- last week against the New York Giants -- Rico Dowdle finished with 12.1 fantasy points. His stat line: 11 carries, 46 yards; 1 reception, 15 yards, 1 TD. In Week 1 versus the Cleveland Browns, Dowdle put up a season-low 3.2 fantasy points, with these numbers: 8 carries, 26 yards.

Against the Steelers, Rico Dowdle's 87 yards on 20 carries marked the closest a Dallas running back has been to the century mark since Pollard's conquest. Both Pollard (against the Washington Commanders) and Dowdle (against the New York Giants) had 79 yards last season,

Sunday is an important day for the Dallas Cowboys. A win sends them into the bye week riding a three-game win streak with a victory over a top NFC team to boot. Should Dallas lose, well, it won’t feel like the end of the world,