As the Cowboys prepare for their big “Sunday Night Football” game against the 49ers, they are faced with an unexpected injury problem. Running back Rico Dowdle, who practiced fully this week, fell ill Sunday, making his status for the game worrisome just hours before kickoff.

The Cowboys and 49ers both enter the game with three wins, looking to gain momentum in a tight NFC playoff picture. Losing Dowdle for the game is a big blow for Dallas.

Here’s what you need to know about the Dowdle issue and the Cowboys running back depth chart.

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Is Rico Dowdle playing Sunday night?

Dowdle fell ill on his way to the stadium for “Sunday Night Football,” and Dallas initially listed him as “questionable” for the contest before ultimately ruling him out. The Cowboys’ medical staff evaluated him before the game and determined he was not healthy enough to play against San Francisco.

Rico Dowdle will be inactive tonight, per source.

Over to you, Dalvin Cook and Zeke Elliott. https://t.co/4ZUYvmL6sX

– Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 27, 2024

Dowdle has played in all six games for the Cowboys this year after appearing in 16 games for Dallas’ season. The 26-year-old was an undrafted free agent in 2020 out of South Carolina.

Cowboys RB Depth Chart

Dowdle leads the team in rushing so far this year, totaling 59 carries for 246 yards and no touchdowns. Elliott is right behind him, though, with 38 carries for 115 yards and a score, so he’d probably get more opportunities if Dowdle was out.

Vaughn spent the season as a third baseman and special teams player, producing only seven carries for 20 yards this season. An important note for the Cowboys is that Cook will play his first game for the team as practice team elevation. The veteran running back, who spent the first part of this season on Dallas’ practice squad, played for the Jets and Ravens last season.