11 Preseason Running Back Questions

Photo: Ron Chenoy, USA Today Sports

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The preseason is a key time to monitor news and camp notes that will influence the 2023 season.

8 Preseason Quarterback Questions
6 Preseason Wide Receiver Questions
6 Preseason Tight End Questions

Below are 10 wide receiver storylines to monitor as you watch training camp.

How does the free agent market shake out?

Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook, Kareem Hunt, and Leonard Fournette are all free agents that could shake up the status quo of existing backfields. Where they sign and the role they have could have a major impact on the running back landscape heading into the season.

Is J.K. Dobbins finally healthy?

J.K. Dobbins entered the NFL with big expectations as a second-round pick in the 2020 draft class, but he has failed to live up to those expectations to date. Dobbins suffered a torn ACL in 2021 that forced him to miss the 2021 season and have a second procedure during the 2022 season. When he returned in week 13, he had back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances. Dobbins had a better-receiving profile than he has displayed in his time with the Ravens to date, and the change from offensive coordinator Greg Roman to Todd Monken could highlight his pass-catching skill set before free agency in 2023.

What does the Buffalo backfield look like?

James Cook was a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft based on his receiving ability. The team featured Devin Singletary heavily in the routes, running the 6th most receiving routes in the league among running backs in 2022, but only finished 26th in targets per game (2.9). The team has shown a willingness to involve the running back in the passing game, but Singletary did not capitalize on the opportunity. Cook's skills as a pass catcher make him the right fit for the role. Cook will compete with free agent signee Damien Harris in the backfield, but he has a much different skill set. Harris ran for 15 touchdowns in 2021, but he was hurt in 2022 and was held to only 106 carries after he fell below Rhamondre Stevenson on the depth chart. Overall, Harris only has 40 receptions and 449 carries in his career, so Cook should be the favorite for the lead role in the backfield.

Who starts in Chicago?

The Chicago Bears let David Montgomery walk in free agency and have a committee aiming to replace him. Khalil Herbert is the incumbent option and led the league in rushing yards over expectation (1.44). The team signed D'Onta Foreman in free agency after strong stints in Tennessee and Carolina before drafting Roschon Johnson on the third day of the NFL draft. Chicago was one of the more run-heavy teams in the league in 2022, so the competition among Herbert, Foreman, and Johnson could be valuable if a player is able to win and consolidate a starting role.

What is Dallas doing?

The Dallas Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott and franchise-tagged Tony Pollard but did little else to fix the running back position. The common narrative is Dallas wants to be more run-heavy, but their decision to let Elliott hit free agency while also trading for Brandin Cooks points towards a pass-heavy offense consistent with head coach Mike McCarthy's tenure in Green Bay. Pollard's health and whether Dallas has an agreement to bring back Elliott or signs another running back in free agency are important to watch this training camp.