Mailbag: Why hasn't Vaughn been used more?

(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)

I think the Deuce Vaughn pick was an excellent one, but why hasn't he been utilized more than he has? He's proven himself throughout his football career, including college. He's a Darren Sproles type of back. Why hasn't the offensive staff developed some plays and blocking schemes that would accommodate his skill set and keep him in there long enough to get a rhythm? – James Williams/Quitman, GA

Kurt: We get this question a lot about Vaughn as his compelling backstory and everyman-type odds in a game among giants has made him a bit of a fan favorite. Throw in his determined work ethic and great personality, and it's hard not to root for him.

Vaughn often gets compared to Sproles, given their size and that both starred at Kansas State, but Sproles was slightly bigger (5-6/190 to 5-5/180) and reportedly had a faster 40-time (4.46 to 4.56). Sproles also had more than 1,000 career rushing yards than Vaughn in 10 additional games with the Wildcats (4,979 to 3,604). In addition, during his NFL career, Sproles would earn three Pro Bowl nods and be named to the All-Decade Team of the 2010s as a punt returner.

Regardless, Vaughn just hasn't been able to work his way up the Cowboys' depth chart. The team's ground game really didn't get going in 2024 until they turned to Rico Dowdle full time, who, by the way, posted a 4.54 time in the 40 and is 5-11/213. Are you going to let Vaughn get precious reps when you're needing Dowdle, a 1,000-yard rusher, to find a rhythm of his own?

The other problem Vaughn faces is that your second- and third-string running backs on game day also need to contribute on special teams. But there his size perhaps limits him on kick coverage and, of course, he sits behind All-Pro and Pro Bowl returner KaVontae Turpin, a restricted free agent who will likely be back next year.

So unfortunately for Vaughn, he's just in a tough position. With Dowdle being an unrestricted free agent, maybe more chances will open up, but the odds still seem long for Vaughn to truly break out with the Cowboys. Then again, he's certainly beaten the odds before.

Tommy: I think part of the reason why is because of the guys he has had ahead of him during his time in Dallas. Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle, and even Ezekiel Elliott have been more reliable options just because of what they've done during their playing time.

That's not a knock on Deuce, I think there's things he can bring to the table for you in the run game, but I don't know if he's a guy that should take away carries from a guy like Rico Dowdle should he return in 2025 because it hasn't been proven yet.