Rico Dowdle’s rise to lead running back for the Dallas Cowboys has been gradual.

Jalen Tolbert has suddenly stepped into the spotlight with No. 2 receiver Brandin Cooks out due to a knee issue.

These two players are now key names for a Dallas offense trying to support a defense struggling with injuries, looking to build on their last-minute 20-17 win against Pittsburgh.

Dallas (3-2) will play at home against Detroit on Sunday.

“I think it all started with Rico,” said Ezekiel Elliott, a two-time rushing champion for the Cowboys who returned to his original team in the offseason but is now clearly a backup. “Rico running the ball hard got the team going in the second half, and (we) finished it off.”

Dowdle’s contributions in the passing game were important too. His 22-yard catch helped put Dallas ahead early in the fourth quarter before Dak Prescott’s crucial 4-yard pass to Tolbert on fourth down with just 20 seconds left.

Dowdle, an undrafted fifth-year player, had career highs with 20 carries, 87 rushing yards, and 114 total scrimmage yards. In contrast, Elliott has only had 20 carries in the last four games combined.

Tolbert, a third-round pick in 2022 who barely played last season, has already set personal bests twice this year, gaining 87 receiving yards against the Steelers. His two touchdowns match the total he had in his first two years combined.

Cooks will be out for at least three more games after a procedure led to a knee infection that required additional surgery. This opens up more opportunities alongside All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb.

“I told him earlier in the week he’s going to be the reason we win plenty of games,” Lamb said about Tolbert. “Just kind of instilling that confidence in him throughout the whole week. That’s huge for Tolbert.”