Dallas Cowboys starting running back Rico Dowdle fell ill when he arrived at Levi’s Stadium ahead their Sunday Night Football game against the San Francisco 49ers with his current condition unknown.

The Cowboys‘ RB1 was not known to have been unwell through the weekend, with him mysteriously becoming ill as he arrived at the stadium before medical officials had begun aiding him.

A statement from the Cowboys PR read: “Rico Dowdle became sick when he arrived at the stadium. He is being evaluated by the team’s medical staff, and his status is now questionable.”

According to multiple reporters at the stadium, Dowdle was seen in good spirits prior to the game and had his headphones on while walking with the team. He fell ill later and after being evaluated, he was made inactive. The Cowboys have yet to give any further information on Dowdle’s health.

With Dowdle out, the Cowboys will now turn to two veterans as their running backs in Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook to lead their backfield.

The two former All-Pro backs have seen their production decrease significantly over the last two years coming to the end of their respective careers – with Dallas fans furious the team did not sign Derrick Henry. Dallas had an opportunity to bring Henry in with the player being a free agent, living in the city, and being a fan.

Prescott (#4) was feeling the heat from the Cowboys fans heading into Thursday's game at Giants

Elliott is likely to get the start for the Cowboys ( 

Image:

2024 Kevin Sabitus)

But owner Jerry Jones instead opted to bring Elliott back – with Henry eventually signing for the Baltimore Ravens. Meanwhike, Dowdle has appeared to have won the starting job in recent weeks, being more productive than Elliott through their first six games.

The Cowboys come into the game with the Niners with a 3-3 record after being on bye last week, in need of a victory to get their season back on track after being embarrassed in their last game – a huge loss to the Detroit Lions.

Dallas’ defense has given up 124 points in these three games at the AT&T Stadium – with only the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) and Carolina Panthers (1-5) having put on more points against them through the first six games of the year.

Quarterback Dak Prescott will also need to bounce back after struggling mightily to begin the season off the back of the team making him the highest-paid player in NFL history.