Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle was marked inactive for the team’s Week 8 clash with the 49ers due to an illness, triggering conspiracy theories among fans online.
The Cowboys faced a major setback in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers, a period that ultimately sealed their fate in the game. Dallas entered halftime leading 10-6 but was outscored 21-0 in the third quarter.
Though Dallas made a late attempt to close the gap to one score, it fell short as their offense stalled with four consecutive incompletions at the game’s end.
The Cowboys’ rushing game struggled once again, even with Dalvin Cook’s much-anticipated promotion from the practice squad. Top rusher Rico Dowdle was inactive due to an unspecified illness, sparking conspiracy theories within Cowboys Nation.
During pre-game warmups, Dowdle appeared from the tunnel to greet fans after he was ruled out, adding to the speculation.
He signed autographs and interacted with fans before heading onto the field. Reporter Ed Werder shared a video of Dowdle’s pre-game interactions, questioning, “Would a player too sick to play come out early to sign autographs?”
As the clip gained traction, conspiracy theories multiplied.
Some wondered if Dowdle’s inactivity was to prevent Ezekiel Elliott from being benched. Others speculated whether the Cowboys were intentionally losing. Theories ranged widely.
One fan commented, “Need answers, feels like they’re tanking.”
Another added, “Classic Jerry antics. Probably trying to avoid hurting Zeke’s feelings.”
Without Dowdle, the rushing game sputtered again, tallying just 56 yards and a touchdown over 19 carries, averaging 2.9 yards per carry.
Dalvin Cook, brought up to bolster the offense, managed only 12 yards on six carries.
Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle stands before the game against the Miami Dolphins. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images What really happened remains unclear, but Cowboys Nation isn’t convinced that Dowdle fell ill just before the inactive list submission.
Regardless, the team urgently needs to fix its running game issues.