Dallas just pulled a move, snagging running back Tyler Goodson off the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. Yeah, you heard that right, a practice squad pickup, and it instantly throws a whole new wrench into the Cowboys’ backfield plans. This isn’t just a depth move; it’s a statement, and you know it.
Who Is Tyler Goodson and Why Now?
So, let’s talk about Goodson. This dude is 25 years old, and he’s been bouncing around a bit. Before landing with the Falcons’ practice squad, he spent time with the Green Bay Packers and the Indianapolis Colts. His actual regular-season playing time? All of it came with the Colts. Now, here’s the kicker: last year, he showed up in 11 games for Indianapolis. Eleven games, okay, that sounds like a decent amount of action, right? But check these stats: a grand total of 24 rushing yards and two catches for a measly 8 yards. Seriously, 24 yards on the ground. That’s it. It’s not exactly setting the world on fire, is it? What does that tell you about what Dallas is looking for? It’s not a Bell-cow back. It signals a very specific need, and you gotta believe they’re targeting his other strengths.
Special Teams Is the Name of the Game
Here’s the real tea on Goodson: most of his playing time across his entire career hasn’t been carrying the rock or catching passes in crucial offensive sets. Nah, the man has largely made his mark on special teams. That’s a huge detail. When a team picks up a running back with limited offensive production but significant special teams experience from a practice squad, it shouts two things: depth and a specific, immediate need for that special teams unit. Is Dallas looking for a spark in the return game? Do they need someone to fly down the field on kickoffs? This signing tells us they weren’t getting what they wanted in that department, and they see Goodson as the guy who can step in and contribute right away without needing to be an offensive weapon.
This move also meant a corresponding roster adjustment for Dallas: they waived running back Israel Abanikanda. That’s a direct swap, one back out, one back in. What does that say about Abanikanda’s performance in practice or his fit with the special teams unit? The Cowboys are clearly trying to fine-tune their roster early in the season, making moves to get the right blend of talent and specific skill sets. Goodson’s low offensive numbers but special teams focus paints a clear picture of what the coaching staff values and where they see an immediate upgrade.
So, what’s next? You gotta keep your eyes peeled for how Dallas deploys Goodson. Will he be active on game days immediately? What kind of special teams snaps does he get? His ability to impact those key, often overlooked, phases of the game will be crucial. This is a classic early-season roster tweak that could make a bigger difference than those 24 rushing yards suggest. Watch those special teams formations, because that’s where Goodson is going to earn his keep.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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